The Courage to Lead: Developing the Executive Mindset

The Courage to Lead: Developing the Executive Mindset.

Leadership is a game of the mind.

It's a game we all theoretically know how to play, but it's not always easy to apply those concepts on a daily basis.

We get caught up in the daily grind and forget to step back to reflect on our situation.

That's why it takes courage to be a true leader.

It takes courage to look at our direct environment as feedback on how we're doing and to take radical responsibility for our actions.

It's not always easy to do, but it's necessary for success.

Let me tell you about one of my clients, Emily.

Emily had worked her way up the ranks in her company and was finally given her own team to lead.

She was excited and ready to show everyone what she could do.

At first, things were going well. Emily motivated her team and got them to hit their targets.

But over time, things started to fall apart.

Her team members were leaving, and those who stayed were becoming increasingly disengaged.

Emily was frustrated.

She blamed her team members for their incompetence and lack of motivation.

But then something happened that made her realise she needed to take a step back and look at herself as a leader.

During a team meeting, one of her team members spoke up and said, "Emily, we feel like you don't listen to us. You make decisions without considering our input, and it's making us feel like our opinions don't matter."

At first, Emily was defensive. She wanted to argue that she was the manager and that it was her job to make decisions. But then she realised that her team member had a point. She hadn't been listening to her team, and it was affecting their morale.

Emily decided to take radical responsibility for her actions. She took a step back and reflected on her leadership style.

She realised that she had been so focused on hitting targets and being a "successful" manager that she had forgotten about the importance of building relationships with her team.

Emily started to implement some changes.

She began to listen more to her team, giving them a voice in decision-making.

She also started to prioritise team building and building relationships with her team members.

Over time, things started to turn around. Her team members became more engaged, and their performance improved.

She was able to take a step back, reflect on her situation, and take radical responsibility for her actions.

So, how can you develop the executive mindset?

Here are some key strategies:

1. Take radical responsibility: As a leader, taking responsibility for your actions is essential. If something isn't working, don't blame others. Take a step back and reflect on what you can do differently.
2. Listen to your team: Your team members are your greatest asset. Take the time to listen to them and consider their input when making decisions.
3. Build relationships: Building strong relationships with your team members is crucial. It fosters trust and loyalty, which can lead to higher engagement and better performance.
4. Embrace uncertainty: The executive mindset embraces uncertainty and sees it as an opportunity rather than a threat. Don't be afraid to take calculated risks and make tough decisions.
5. Continuously learn and grow: The best leaders are lifelong learners. Take the time to invest in your own personal and professional growth.

By incorporating these strategies into your leadership style, you, too can develop the executive mindset and become a successful leader.

Remember, it takes courage to take a step back and reflect on your situation, but it's essential for success.

For more strategies, download my free guide: The Rising Executive: Key Differences Between?Stagnant Managers and?Rising Executives.

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