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I have worked with so many different types of leaders and each one brings their unique perspective to their leadership. Some leaders are more extroverted and share their messages in a loud, excitable way, while other leaders are more introverted, offering their ideas through a more reflective voice. Some lead with a great deal of nurturing while others are bullish and pushy. There are leaders who are extremely direct in dealing with others and some leaders who are very concerned with people’s feelings so are gentler in their interactions.

What kind of leader are you?

How would you describe what is in your leadership cereal bowl?

ARE YOU A FLAKE OR A KERNEL?

There is a time and place for being either a solid, steadfast leader or a step back and let things fly leader. Partnering with a leader recently, it was essential that he take a methodical and calm approach to resolving a manufacturing issue. He needed to present his case carefully with facts, data and clear solutions. While coaching another very serious leader at that same company, it became apparent that she needed to lighten up a bit and not take a co-worker’s comment too seriously.

[Tweet “Leadership is knowing when to stay firm or lighten up.”]

 IS YOUR CEREAL COLORFUL OR BLAND?

Being creative and innovative is important to leaders in moving themselves or their teams forward. Just look down into your bowl and ask:

  • Do I need to add fruit or more variety to think about my challenge differently?
  • Am I feeling bored or stuck with the same type of cereal each day?
  • Is it time for me to add some new skills to my leadership toolbox?
  • What specifically would excite or transform me at this point in my career?

[Tweet “Add more color to your leadership by learning something new.”]

 DO I NEED MORE CRUNCH IN MY CEREAL?

Leaders communicate in many different ways yet all leaders need to be impactful. Are you feeling that people are not listening to you or that you are being left out of conversations? Here’s a secret to communication success- become an assertive communicator.

  1. For people to listen to us, we need to be an active listener. That means hearing people out completely without interrupting or doing other things while they are talking.
  2. We need to state our needs clearly and concisely while still being respectful of the other person’s point of view.
  3. We owe it to our teammates to stay focused and ask helpful questions about what they are talking about. I have been in conversations where inappropriate questions are asked just because the other person isn’t really in the moment.
  4. Remember to ask: “What are your thoughts?”

 HOW MUCH MILK SHOULD I ADD TO MY BOWL? 

This is the hardest one and each leader knows best. We need just the right balance of challenge to spark our growth but not soak us too much. To get that balance add a little bit at a time and see how you feel. Meet up with one of your social media friends to get to know better. Pick up that fiction or non-fiction book that you have wanted to read. Sign up for a 1- hour webinar on a fascinating topic. Add the milk slowly and your leadership bowl will be delicious.

[Tweet “Find the right balance between challenging and overwhelming yourself.”]

What is in your leadership bowl and what do you need to make it more appealing?

 

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