Leadership HOW TO MASTER BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
T
oo may times have I seen leaders mimic a technique that works for somebody else but is never likely to compliment their existing approach. Consequently they look and feel awkward when demonstrating
to others… potentially causing others to question whether they are being ‘real’. In my experience employees like to know the person they are being led by. They want to see confidence in the leaders approach and get a sense that they are being true … after all confidence breeds confidence. If people see small chinks in your approach it isn’t necessarily a bad thing… it shows that you are human!
To enable yourself to implement changes in your leadership style successfully, you need to be extremely self-aware. There is no doubt that in your position you will already be fairly self-aware - you will understand what you value, your motivators and your ‘hot buttons’. These have shaped you as a person and leader and are not for changing – from these your sustainable leadership style is born.
I have worked with a number of leaders who have what I call a ‘wish list’. I wish I could be more like x. The core of how you lead should be built from your values and motivations – you wont have everything just how you want it but you wouldn’t want to. Trying to change too dramatically could take away your core leadership strength. Surround yourself with people who can compensate for what you don’t have
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at your core. This ‘collective’ quality will enable you to lead in your authentic style – using your strengths to maximum value.
If you come to a conclusion that some new learning would indeed fit with your existing brand/style – be aware of the impact of trying something new.
Practice the new with a
trusted advisor – an internal senior colleague or an external source e.g. a coach. Gain feedback on whether it maintains your authenticity. Practice makes permanent. Understand that when you are in a position of senior leadership and you deliver something in a different way, you sometimes get an indifferent reaction … just because it’s different. If you are confident that it will enhance your results and will fit with your brand/style, persevere until people accept it as part of you … avoid trashing new ways of doing things based solely on an initial response.
In summary it’s not about wanting to be somebody else – be comfortable with your style and understand what it is that makes you great as a leader. Keep the passion that is generated when you are being you and tweak the delivery where necessary, but only when it will enhance your results and fits with your core leadership strength.
Dean Williams works with senior leaders who want to enhance their leadership skill whilst maintaining their authenticity
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