Jumpstarting Leadership Abilities

When was the last time you undertook a major initiative?

No doubt, you and your team did some careful planning over time to outline a strategic plan and to get the right people and processes in place to launch successfully.

But did you consider what you would personally need in order to lead this expanded arena effectively?

No doubt, it asked more of you – decision-making became more complex, the challenges you and your team faced were new and more involved. That which worked well in the past was now inadequate. You simply chalked up the elevated demand for your personal resources, the additional stress, and the fatigue accompanying this to be part of the natural course for expansion.

Jumpstarting your leadership abilities as you look to launch a new initiative or project is key.

Ideally, it starts in the planning period, but anytime in the process will enhance your success and that of your company.

Why? Because more responsibility requires you to lead at an elevated level. And although coaching over time is the most effective way to develop your leadership abilities, fast-tracking this to meet change can boost your capacity quickly.

John, the Chief Executive Officer of a large healthcare organization, had always been an effective and visionary leader. Under his leadership, the organization had grown significantly, expanding its services and improving patient outcomes. Recently, John was tasked with leading a groundbreaking initiative aimed at integrating cutting-edge technology into the organization’s operations to enhance patient care and streamline processes.

Recognizing the magnitude of this new challenge, John realized that he needed a quick “kick-start” to elevate his mindset, refresh his thinking, and eliminate any old habits that might inhibit his leadership of this new initiative. Despite his past successes, he understood the importance of continuous personal growth and the need to adapt his leadership style to meet new demands.

When he called to explain what he was undertaking, we both agreed he would be well-served to work with an executive coach who could challenge him, be his thought partner, and his sounding board.

His current leadership style, although proven successful, might lack the necessary agility and forward-thinking approach required for this transformative initiative. This could result in slower adoption of new technologies, resistance from staff, and ultimately, a failure to achieve the initiative’s ambitious goals. John needed to rejuvenate his leadership approach, foster a more innovative mindset, and develop strategies to lead this change effectively.

To address this, we decided to jumpstart his leadership development with a 3-day private immersive. John later shared that this made a huge difference in the way he was able to move forward quickly and with greater ease.

Day 1: Assessment and Mindset Elevation

The first day focused on a comprehensive assessment of John’s current leadership style, strengths, and areas for development. During the week prior, I had administered a relevant assessment and conducted some personal interviews with John’s team in order to gain a holistic understanding of John’s leadership profile.

We focused on mindset elevation in the afternoon. Through guided discussions and reflective exercises, John explored the latest trends in healthcare technology, innovation, and leadership. I introduced techniques for fostering a growth mindset, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and open-mindedness.

Day 2: Strategic Thinking and Innovation

The second day was dedicated to enhancing John’s strategic thinking and innovation capabilities. We began the morning with brainstorming sessions where I guided John as he generated creative solutions and strategies for implementing the new initiative. We discussed potential challenges and devised proactive measures to address them.

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to practical applications. John engaged in role-playing scenarios to practice leading his team through the change process, managing resistance, and communicating the vision effectively. I was able to provide real-time feedback and coaching to refine John’s approach.

Day 3: Habit Formation and Action Plan

The final day concentrated on habit formation and developing a concrete action plan. We identified old habits that could hinder progress and worked on replacing them with new, empowering behaviors. I then introduced techniques for habit change, including visualization, habit stacking, and accountability structures.

In the afternoon, John crafted a detailed action plan for the next 90 days, outlining specific goals, milestones, and key performance indicators. I emphasized the importance of regular reflection and adjustment to ensure continuous improvement and alignment with the initiative’s objectives.

Outcome:

By the end of the 3-day private immersive, John felt rejuvenated, inspired, and equipped with a fresh perspective on leadership. He had a clear action plan and newfound confidence in his ability to lead the organization through this transformative initiative. The intensive coaching session not only provided immediate benefits but also laid the foundation for an ongoing coaching relationship, ensuring John continued to grow and adapt his leadership approach to meet future challenges.

Does a quick intervention, such as a private coaching immersive, replace the classic coaching engagement over time?

No. An immersive is most effective when coupled with regular coaching for lasting change.

But the immersive can be greatly instrumental in fast-tracking senior executives like John to address, plan for, and acquire quick tools to begin the process of elevating their mindset, refresh their thinking, and adopt new habits essential for leading major initiatives.

By addressing potential problems early and equipping leaders with the necessary tools and strategies, organizations can ensure successful implementation and sustained growth in an ever-evolving landscape.

Where do you need to jumpstart your own leadership? What needs to shift or change in order to do so?

Patti Cotton

Patti Cotton helps executives optimize their effectiveness in leading self, others, and the enterprise. Her areas of focus include confidence, leadership style, executive presence, effective communication, succession planning, and masterful execution. With over 25 years of leadership experience, both stateside and abroad, Patti works with individuals, teams, and organizations across industries, providing executive consulting, leadership development, succession planning, change management, and conflict resolution. She is also an experienced Fortune 500 speaker. For more information on how Patti Cotton can help you and your organization, click here.

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