How can you increase your flexibility as a leader?

Flexibility is an important skill for leaders, especially in times of change and uncertainty. Flexibility means being able to adapt to different situations, challenges, and opportunities, and being open to new ideas and perspectives.

Embracing feedback is like adding a secret ingredient to your leadership recipe. It's about actively listening to diverse voices in your team and using their insights to refine your approach. Imagine you're a chef in a kitchen, each team member's feedback is a unique spice that can enhance the flavor of your leadership. It's not just about accepting feedback; it's about cherishing it as a tool for growth and innovation

Feedback is crucial when working on flexibility yet very little people know how to give a good feedback. Feedback relies in the premise that whatever you say is in the essence something that will help other person to grow. Secondly we need to ask for a permission to give feedback and also give others sign that we are ready go receive feedback. Thirdly we accept feedback from others and ask ourselves what am I learning from this experience.

People won't want to give you negative feedback. You have to ask 3 times. Here's a script for when they say they don't have any feedback. "I know it can be really hard to give negative feedback. I promise I will consider it generous. Even if it's hard for me to take in the moment, it's the most generous thing you could do for me in the long run."

Ask yourself thise three questions based on Stephen Covey’s Circles: 1. What is it that I can control about a situation? 2. What is it that I can influence? (Other people) 3. What is that I need to accept? (As I do neither have control over nor the influence). Adjust your actions and mindset accordingly.

Think of self-care in leadership as you keeping your batteries charged; it’s essential for you to operate at full capacity. It’s about understanding that to lead others effectively, you need to be in your best form – physically, mentally, and emotionally. A well-rested, healthy, and positive leader is more equipped to inspire and lead their team. Don't compromise on maintaining an ideal work-life balance or getting enough rest otherwise you end up losing productivity and hating the job you do.

Self-care should never be seen as a luxury but as a necessity especially when leading teams and working with others. When we take good care of ourselves we are more accepting of ourselves, more positive and relaxed which will have a positive impact on others. As they say uou can never pour from an empty cup.

Define what flexibility means to you, your team and your organisation? To be a more flexible as a leader does it mean to prioritise open communication? or adapt your style to different situations? or embrace change? or actively seek feedback? - or all of the above! Take time to reflect on what you do now (I bet you’re more flexible than you think), ask your teams around you for there thoughts on what flexibility means to them and from there you can make a plan…

In today’s fast-paced world, flexibility in leadership also means being tech-savvy. Embrace technological advancements not as challenges, but as opportunities to enhance your leadership. Whether it’s adopting new communication tools or exploring data analytics, staying ahead with technology can provide you with an edge in leading effectively and efficiently