How do you develop your Leadership Style?

Developing your leadership style doesn’t need to start when you become a C-level leader. Every day is an opportunity to hone the skills that will bring you that clarity of what that style is for you. Certainly, that style is not static and changes in proportion to how aware you are, how open you are to the lessons from mistakes and feedback you receive, and how willing you are to implement changes.

First, what is usually meant by leadership style are the patterns of behavior that are consistent across how you make decisions, interact with others, and use your time. It’s also characterized by how your colleagues would describe their working relationship with you.

Let me highlight some of the points important for this process that I have seen when working with leaders of all levels:

Build self-awareness

The more aware you are when it comes to your strengths, your weaknesses, your biases; the more you will be able to address them. It is a constant commitment to reflection, space for self, openness to feedback and presence.?

A great tool assessment for that is the Leadership Circle Profile. It is not simply a 360 assessment. What makes it amazing (in my humble opinion) is the self-evaluation vs how others see us and seeing all the blind spots one has.?

Do not imitate blindly

Get inspired by who you consider to be the best. It is great to have role models and mentors but copying someone verbatim is a mistake. First, because circumstances and people you lead are different and second because you are!

You have your own flavor. Your own personality. Your experiences that have shaped you into the person, the leader you are. All come into play when you interact with your team. Own that and be the authentic leader you are.

Own your responsibilities and impact

As a leader, you have a lot on your shoulders. At the same time, by being who you are, you shape and influence the culture around you. Don't underestimate the impact of your actions, decisions, and communication on the culture around you. A toxic culture can erode trust, motivation, and performance, while a positive, inclusive culture can elevate your team to new heights.

Be courageous and brave

I will mention feedback for the third time. Be courageous to take what can serve your growth. How do you distinguish what that can be? The one that makes you a bit uncomfortable and triggers you the most. Be curious what that is about. What can you not stand about that feedback? Can there be a 2% truth in that? Look into it.

Bravery means also recovering from failures. Mistakes and failures are part of the process - recovery is where courage and bravery come in handy. Don’t stop learning and growing!

Balance and self-care

I have witnessed the enthusiasm, the dedication and determination in the leaders I have worked with to make the best of their role. Sometimes it has led to burnout and exhaustion.?

Take time for self-care. Rome was not built in a day. You will figure it out day by day. Be patient. Take breaks. Do something replenishing for yourself. You cannot give from an empty cup. ?A well-rested, balanced leader is far more capable of inspiring and leading effectively.

Yes, it’s a lot and you don’t need to be alone with it all!

We are here to help! Reach out and let’s have a chat.?