Many of you have been on the leadership development road for some time. So, I have a question for you. When you look back over the past say five to ten years of your journey to become that better leader, in what way has your thinking about your leadership changed the most?
Since most of you are continuing to read vs. stopping to reflect on that question, let me add some context. True and lasting behavior change does not occur without a corresponding shift in beliefs or mindset. Did you get that? You must change the way you perceive and value things before you will change the way you act upon them.
So what has changed for you? Are you viewing the value and role of people differently? Has your understanding of the real purpose of leadership evolved? Perhaps you are now more accepting of the fact that you, yes you, can have a real impact on the lives of those around you. Ponder my question for a while.
In the not-too-distant past many newly minted managers were taught to view their people basically as production assets. The only goal that mattered was the team’s business results. One would shine when the team “crushed its financial goals.” These so-called leaders were viewed by themselves and others as stars, and their invitations to the President’s Club (or other exclusive recognition programs) affirmed that.
Then somewhere along the way the true leaders began to realize that their real role was to make stars of others, not themselves. Their purpose as a leader changed. What they should do and how they should behave as a leader became vastly different. Helping others develop into not only better performers, but better leaders in their own right, maybe even better people, was now the more worthy pursuit.
That kind of new direction in leading can only come from changing beliefs or mindset about the value and purpose of people.
There will always be some very long, trying days with too many whiny, high maintenance, pain in the neck people that you just want to avoid. Don’t let them dilute your commitment to being a great leader for all the others who need you.
Stay the course.
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