Beyond the Leader’s Chair!

They say, "You grow as a leader when your team grows!"

There are multiple leadership seminars and training programs to increase productivity and help one reach their maximum potential.

There are so many steps involved in cultivating leadership qualities that truly uplift others. When as a leader one can genuinely empathise with their team and feel their pain, that is when things change for the better. There is a leader in everyone, and the real job is to look for it through deep introspection and inner work.

It’s not about what a leader thinks or says. Instead, it is all about what the receiver of this communication feels and how they act after that.

True learning happens when one gets back to the drawing board to reflect. That's when they find the missing piece.

Setting up self-goals and actionable takeaways from any session comes with conscious practice.

It's easier said than done because most of us struggle with the starting point. We need coaches, mentors, and counselors to help us see the gap and start acting.

It's not just about learning tools, techniques, and models. It indeed requires some deep diving to put them into practice.

Some of the points for leaders to consider:

1. When was the last time you spoke with yourself? (Sounds freaky! Please practice behind closed doors)

2. How do you act when an opportunity to make amends is no longer available? (What did you learn?)

3. How do you feel after saying NO or expressing dissatisfaction about something? (What do you normally do after such an occurrence?)

4. How often do you spend time on your own without gadgets to map your journey? (Freaky again! Who does that?)

5. Does your ego stand in the way of learning new things or asking for help when you know you don't have the resources?

There’s no rule book to checkmark “should” or "should not" on the above questions.

But it’s worth asking if these reflections lead somewhere.?

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Observing how one feels after re-examining their authentic revelations about themselves.

Below is a mental model of LEADER that encapsulates leadership essence in a big way!

L- Leave it better than you found it. It is indeed about making a difference even in the smallest way possible.

E – Espouse Discomfort. Trying out new things would bring discomfort and this is the start of getting into the groove of it. Self-compassion is the key to staying put here.

A – Ask for help when you need it. This is a big one. To not think of oneself to be all-knowing or to think that it lessens their credibility as a leader, is the biggest mind-block to overcome.

D – Deny toxic entries. Be mindful of the team's energies. Not over-trusting the trustworthy is the key here. As we all know, “one rotten apple spoils the entire basket”.

E – Embrace yourself often. Embrace yourself at least once a day. Recognize the effort you put in. Remember if you believe in your purpose, others on your team will believe in it too!

R – Reframe Negative Thoughts. This is a skill to develop where one can look at the best of every situation. It is imperative to remember that there are no failures and only lessons to learn.

Quick Points to Remember in a Sequence:

• Repeatedly failing at the same things is not a sign of being a dimwit!
• The day you notice that you are failing at the same things, be GRATEFUL that you have finally recognized the pattern.
• NOW is the turning point for you since you started?introspecting!
• BECOME a pro at rewarding yourself for being a better version of yourself!
• KEEP LIFTING YOURSELF and that is the mantra to a happy and fulfilled life and the key to EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP!

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It's imperative to remember,?we need to fill our jugs to pour into others' glasses.

Author Name: Madhumita Arolker