This is one of my favorite powerful questions to ask leaders. What often happens next is silence. They may be coming to discuss a work challenge with a boss or a team member or eager to figure out ways to move up in their career. It doesn’t matter where they are in their leadership trajectory. What is important is that they are sensing a need for some type of change, and they need a thought partner to walk alongside of them. Taking a moment to face yourself and honestly ask what you are experiencing can be quite profound.
What can change when a leader steps up and decides to admit that things are not working the way they want? Transformative outcomes. What kind of leader are you longing to be?
Look In The Mirror And What Do You See?
1. Facial Insights
So look into the mirror with me. What do you notice about your eyes or your mouth? Are your eyes staring you down or are they warm with a bit of a turning up? Is there a twinkling of confusion that is calling? Is your mouth open or your lips turned up in a slight smirk? Can you see your true feelings in your face? Our faces can give us insights and information about what we are authentically feeling.
2. Missing Leadership Skills
Leaders move through their careers and usually get promoted because of their strong technical skills. They begin as individual contributors and then they are recognized by given the opportunity to manage others. The crazy part is that they don’t always learn the important skills to lead with impact. What are these missing leadership skills?
- How to cultivate strong relationships.
- The importance of leading with humility.
- Becoming a powerful communicator.
- The art of delegation
3. Concern Of Not Fitting In
An important aspect of being part of a team is building camaraderie with the people we work with. Even if our colleagues have different work styles from us or seem to pursue varying activities outside of work, leaders can still make profound connections. As you look in the mirror, ask yourself what is the self-limiting belief of not being able to fit in?
4. Not Seeing Our Value
Perhaps one of the most common reasons leaders reach out to me is that they are sensing that they aren’t being valued for who they are. They feel they have been overlooked for a special assignment or they are not utilizing their incredible talents. They know they have a great deal to contribute but somehow their boss or team members are unable to see it. Look in the mirror again and ask:
- What’s getting in the way of others seeing my capabilities?
- What is important about being recognized for my worth?
- What actions can I take that would make a difference?
5. Lack of A Clear Vision
Each leader needs to be crystal clear on who they long to be and how they want to lead. As you reflect in the mirror, how would you describe your unique leadership purpose and goals? How does your current vision support the values that are most important to you? What kind of work would bring you the most fulfillment? When leaders choose to partner with a coach, they can gain clarity on what is most important in their career and how to follow that path. Together, they create a bold action plan with specific and achievable goals. They become confident in what matters most to their career and life. And that every leader deserves.
Are you ready for a thought partner that will help you see your leadership possibilities?