Leadership Woes

I remember it like it was yesterday.

I got the results from a leadership style assessment in my Masters in Organizational Leadership class

Dictatorial Approach

• I couldn’t fathom it.

• I was embarrassed.

• In fact, I was upset.

Not with the results (remember I took the test), but how did I get there?

Years of pride, arrogance and disregard for other’s opinions.

Now as bad at this sounds, it wasn’t intentional.

I grew up a confident kid, but I let my ego go unchecked.

But the sting of this label changed me forever.

I took a hard look at myself in the mirror, started to change my ways and went as far away from being a dictator as possible.

I was fortunate to learn this early in my career.

I neglected one of the biggest blindspots as a leader: the perception of others.

But this isn’t a self-deprecation piece.

It’s using an example of a low point to motivate you to be (not just do) better.

As leaders, we all have regrets at points in our life/career.

Yet it’s what you do with that information that reveals your character.

• For example, failure teaches you more than success.

• Take for instance feedback after a presentation.

• It’s great to hear compliments, but what refines you is criticism.

Back to my leadership example, I’ve continued to strive to be the servant leader I’d want to follow.

Do I make mistakes? Yes.

But overall my approach is simple: take care of people and they’ll take care of their tasks.

Woes are defined as feelings of sorrow or distress.

Instead of feeling “bad” use it as fuel to move forward.

If you know me I love to talk about leveraging personal strengths, but it’s also wise to address your weaknesses too.

For you it may not be arrogance, but there is an area you can work on.

It’s not about trying to emulate someone else, but aiming to be the best version of you.

So if you’re unaware of the impact you have on others (because you haven’t asked them), I encourage you to ask and just listen.

Whether you agree or disagree with their assessment of you, there’s nothing wrong with taking a hard look in the mirror and making a commitment to better yourself.

Remember there’s not much you can control in life, but your attitude and effort are two of them.

So if you’re ready to make some changes reply to this email and let’s plan some practical action items to hold yourself accountable for.

God Bless,

Scott

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