Fill in the blank: "I am a _______ Leader"
When I coach leaders, I start with a simple question. "Tell me how you would answer this question about yourself: I am a ________ leader." After hearing how the person describes the kind of leader they are, I then ask them to fill in the same sentence with what kind of leader they aspire to be next. Why next? Because leaders understand one important aspect of the leadership role- it's all about evolution. Who you are today is not all you are capable of, and certainly not all you can or should be. Your business needs change, your client's needs change, and the environment in which you operate is constantly changing. It makes no sense to stay the same kind of leader, with the same skills, performing your job in the same ways. And if you are someone who has been promoted within the last year or two, it is especially important for you to answer the two questions above: what kind of leader are you, and what kind of leader do you need to be.
As I was thinking about the kinds of leaders and leadership that exist, here are a few descriptors that came to me.
Inspiring- Engaging - Compassionate - Caring - Energetic - Efficient
Driven - Focused - Patient - Tolerant - Innovative - Aspirational - Strength-based
Gregarious - Serious - Soft-spoken - Detailed - Curious - Humble - Challenging
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There are leaders described as "servant leaders" who eat last. There are ones leading the charge, surging ahead, while everyone follows. There are leaders who are extremely effective in influencing others to act, and those whose values do the influencing for them.
The question is not what qualities, or values you gravitate to naturally, but which ones do you need to develop in yourself to take your skills and your business to the next level? It's not what you're already good at. But, ask yourself, what should you be good at next? This is where leadership coaching is most impactful. I help leaders identify what they do well, and then BUILD on their skill set to develop their next level of leadership proficiency.