Outshined by peers? It's time to rethink...

I recently had a conversation with a family member who was sharing that he felt he was getting too old for the role. Younger, more energised individuals were coming in and doing it quicker and better than he felt he was able to. They were also introducing new ways of doing things that he felt very much out of touch with, he wasn’t sure that he had the ability or want to learn new complex processes and procedures.?? We did have some laughs on how we could eliminate the competition… not all legal.

Everyone at some point in their career will feel that they are not living up to their potential and that their peers are outshining them. It may be that there are younger more energised individuals coming in who are making a name for themselves. It may be that life has changed for you and your energy and effort is being focused elsewhere. It doesn't take away self-doubt or the question whether you're still relevant or capable.? On a positive note, these thoughts can serve as a wake-up call motivating you to reassess your strategies and seek out growth opportunities.

The race to outperform competitors isn't just external—it's internal too. Even the most seasoned leaders may find themselves being outshone by their peers in both delivery and leadership.

Strategic Vision

Realign your leadership strategy with a focus on innovative thinking and operational excellence. Senior leaders must not only manage but inspire and drive their teams toward exceptional outcomes. A recent study by McKinsey found that companies with dynamic leadership are 25% more likely to outperform their competitors and yet only 25% respondents see their leaders as inspirational and fit for purpose.

The 70-20-10 leadership model is a powerful framework that could be your game-changer. This approach emphasises that 70% of leadership development should come from challenging on-the-job experiences, 20% from feedback and working with role models, and 10% from formal education. Embrace this model to ensure you're not just managing but leading with vision, innovation, inspiration and execution that sets you up for success.

Personal Leadership

Self-Awareness Effective leadership starts with understanding your strengths and areas for improvement. A Harvard Business Review study revealed that only 10-15% of leaders possess a high level of self-awareness, yet it's one of the most significant predictors of success. And yet self-awareness is depressingly rare. For instance, psychological research suggests there is less than?10% overlap between people’s actual and self-perceived competence, mostly because people are not as adept as they think they are.? Conduct a 360-degree feedback review to gain insight into how others perceive your leadership. Use this data to refine your approach and address any blind spots.

Decisiveness Decisive leaders are often the most respected. According to a survey by PwC, executives from companies that have changed the way they make their biggest decisions as a result of data and analytics are nearly three times as likely to report significant improvements in strategic decision making as those from companies that have not done so.

One of the most significant military strategies adapted for business use is the OODA Loop model, also referred to as the "decision cycle." This model was created by U.S. Air Force Colonel John Boyd to assist pilots in making rapid decisions during air combat.?? Implement a decision-making framework such as the OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) to enhance your speed and effectiveness in making critical decisions.

Stakeholder Enablement

Building Trust and Influence Without trust, your influence wanes. Research from Edelman indicates that 61% of business leaders are perceived to be purposely trying to mislead people by saying things they know are false or gross exaggerations.

Communication Consistency A consistent communication strategy is key to stakeholder engagement. According to Gallup, Certain communication traits make it easier for people to trust you. Communicating with honesty clarifies your motives. Communicating with consistency makes you predictable. Both read as trustworthy because followers know where you stand and what to expect.

Regularly review and refine your communication strategy to ensure alignment with your leadership vision and stakeholder expectations.

Leadership isn't static—it's an evolving journey. As senior leaders, it's essential to stay ahead of the curve by continually challenging yourself and your strategies. Take these insights, apply them, and watch as you regain your edge in leadership.

DM me?for a complimentary 30-min coaching consultation and take the first step towards a more balanced and strategic leadership approach.

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Source:

McKinsey & Company: The state of Organizations 2023 HBR: How to Work for a Boss Who

Lacks Self-Awareness 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer

Gallup: Improve Your Leadership With These 4 Skills

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