Development

As we’ve learned, self-awareness is a core leadership competency and a critical part of developing emotional intelligence. Yet many leaders believe they’re more self-aware than they truly are. I’ll admit, I’ve been humbled over the years by my own blind spots. What has become clear to me is the strong connection between self-awareness and leadership effectiveness. The most impactful leaders remain hungry to learn, honest about their growth areas, and committed to leading by example. Becoming more self-aware is not only worthwhile, but it also benefits everyone we lead. From time to time, I ask myself a simple but revealing question: “What is it like to be on the other side of me?” I encourage you to do the same. A brief self-check [...]

As we near the end of the year, many of us reflect on the last 12 months. We ask ourselves, “What did I do well?” “What do I need to change in the coming year?” “How can I grow?” But do we ever stop and ask, “Am I meeting my people’s expectations?” Maybe it’s time we do. In my experience, the following is a good list of expectations your people have for you, their leader: To communicate openly, honestly, and frequently To be predictable and consistent To have a plan for their growth To exhibit self-confidence balanced with humility To encourage them To challenge them To let them know how they are doing To always recognize their accomplishments To be decisive and fair To [...]

Of course, we all want a better tomorrow. As leaders, we hold responsibility for shaping the future—what needs to change, how we grow, and how we help others grow. I’ve learned that our capacity to lead is directly tied to our capacity to grow. Organizational success is inextricably linked to personal development. Not long ago, I was introduced to a CEO whose friend is one of my clients. That client has experienced significant growth, opening several new retail locations. The CEO wanted the same—more locations, more expansion. When I asked him what his ultimate goal was, his answer was simple: “to get bigger.” I surprised him by saying I wasn’t sure I was the right person to help. He was [...]