It can be so difficult at times to keep a positive perspective when everyone around us seems unhappy. I hear leaders falling into the trap of “disengagement” with words like:
“Why should I care when my boss doesn’t even acknowledge my work?”
“I seem to be the only one putting in the time and effort on this project.”
“I can’t get any of my team members to get excited about anything these days.”
“How can I find people like me who want to do something important?”
When these discussions come up in my training presentations, I usually step back from my program and try to address the real issues. It’s not typically a problem about bashing others, but rather a clue that we are not leading the way we want. We may be feeling unappreciated or not being heard which could trigger questioning our abilities or contributions.
Instead of jumping to the conclusion that our work world is letting us down, look at how we can adjust our leadership to take control. Since we can’t control what other people say or do, we need to find ways to take hold of our reactions.
Here are five ways to clarify your leadership view:
1. WHO DO I WANT TO BE?
Look in the mirror and ask if your leadership is going the way you want it to go? Without blaming co-workers, bosses or individuals with collaborate with, be honest about the leader you want to be.
- Do I need to research or explore a new area or department?
- Am I getting tired of my work routine and need something new?
- What parts of my job still excite me?
- Even though I don’t feel appreciated all the time, where do I get the most positive feedback?
- Do I simply have to make a few tweaks in my career?
2. DO I NEED MORE SKILLS?
Sometimes when we want to venture into different directions, we might need to update our skill set. We may need to go back to school or get a specific certification. Although I had been a seasoned trainer for a long time, I knew I was interested in administering a particular personality assessment. To do that, I needed to take a course and get a certification. So instead of being frustrated that others had this credential, I decided to go for it.
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3. WHO ARE MY TRUSTED ADVISORS?
A great way to explore new possibilities in our careers is to talk to people we admire and trust. Maybe there is a leader in another department you have an interest in, who could provide you with information about their responsibilities. It can be someone you volunteer with that has a fascinating job. Reach out to old colleagues or bosses. Choose individuals to talk to that have been strong leaders to you in some way. Download here for finding trusted advisors.
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4. WHAT’S STOPPING ME?
- Are we being driven by our fears?
- Do we feel insecure about growing our leadership in a certain direction?
- Is there a concern of not being ready to make a move?
If any of these are preventing you from taking a first step, look at the real reason behind those emotions. Then look in the mirror and tell yourself “I can do this because I have control over my leadership choices.”
5. THE NEXT CHAPTER
Any time we want to clarify our leadership it can be so helpful to visualize what the changes may look like. Put yourself in that new place and see yourself soar. Then begin your plan of action that needs to include steps and dates to accomplish your objectives. Share it with one of your trusted advisors.
What steps have you taken to clarify your leadership view?
If you want help in clarifying your leadership view contact me at 908-654-1554.
This is just excellent. I doing a keynote on employee engagement for a client who recently conducted an employee engagement survey. What I found so interesting about this particular survey was that it asked questions about the employee’s view of the past, the present and their hopes for the future. It was a great way to think about it. Leaders need to remember that they’re helping employees interpret and recover from the past, build and improve in the present, while creating hope for an inspiring future. Sometiems when leaders are stuck, it’s useful to step back and see if they made to take a broader view.
Sounds like a fascinating survey and should make for an equally powerful keynote!
When we reflect on our past successes and misses, we can get great insights into where we want to focus our leadership strategy. I used the image of a mirror as it really forces us to think honestly about ourselves. It also reminds us to be authentic and follow a path that makes sense and aligns with our true values.
Thanks Karin!
LOVE all of those steps, Terri!
Especially the last one: The Next Chapter. Visualizing how your future will look is such a powerful mental toughness tool. And when we visualize a positive next chapter for us, our brain produces feel-good dopamine that will actually help us keep moving in that direction…
I am a big believer in visualizing what we want to accomplish and pursue. Whether leaders put up images on their desks or refrigerators, it is empowering to see a picture staring us right in the face. It is a constant reminder of where we need to go.
Some of us can just visualize in our minds and that process can also propel us in the direction we need to go.
Either way, visualization is a powerful tool to help us clarify our leadership.
Thanks for adding so much to the conversation, LaRae!
Fantastic, Terri! It’s a full circle of practical advice for leaders. I 100% agree with where you began… way of being. Sometimes it’s our way of being that’s holding us back from creating meaningful relationships. When we hold ourselves as better than, smarter than or above others on the team, they feel it in everything we say and do. It’s our trusted advisors who are willing to give us the gift of the truth. There’s nothing better than finding someone who’s willing to hold up a mirror and show us the parts of ourselves that we are unable to see on our own.
Will definitely be sharing!
Thanks, Terri!
Great addition, Alli, about our trusted advisors holding up a mirror and helping us see ourselves honestly! It is so important to seek out advisors who we not only look up to and admire, but also individuals who can help guide us through our challenges with respect. The advisors we choose must always want the best for us while providing truthful feedback. That way, we can receive their feedback with openness.
As always, great insights Alli and thanks for sharing them!