Your Growth Killer

I remember sitting in weekly meetings with the leadership team sharing ideas.

At first I threw out more than anyone else, excited about the possibilities.

But over time I became silent.

Once I realized my ideas fell on deaf ears and nothing new was going to be implemented I stopped offering suggestions.

What’s the point?

I’m not saying your leaders should agree, accept and use ALL your ideas.

Yet once meetings get silent with feedback, you’ve lost the room.

As a leader once you stop learning, you stop leading.

If you get to the place where you “know it all” - you’re done.

No one on the team actually believes you’re as smart as you think you are.

In fact the silence breeds distain, frustration, even anger aimed at you.

Leaders demand their people stay teachable and adaptable.

• But are you leading by example?

• How do you expect others to grow when you’re not?

Talk is cheap. It’s action that creates results.

The real growth killer is your ego.

You become unteachable when you think you know best.

They say ignorance is bliss. That’s a lie.

I’ve seen plenty of leaders in my career evade feedback.

• Maybe it’s the fear of being wrong.

• Maybe it’s admitting your ideas aren’t the best.

• Maybe it’s an unwillingness to give credit to others. 

But why would you disregard an opportunity to improve?

Rather than speculate intentions (it will drive you crazy)…

This is your warning.

If you want your team to grow, you have to be the catalyst.

There is nothing more powerful than serving your people.

Growth is a choice.

One of the most important transitions I teach new leaders is shifting their mindset.

Simply put: me > we.

When you’re more focused on others versus yourself, you’re naturally open to feedback.

There’s a humility that comes from staying hungry to learn.

It’s not a bad look to not have all the answers (you do want to have some though).

Focusing on the needs of the team helps manage your ego.

Saying you want to grow and taking the steps to make it happen are two separate things.

• The former is all talk.

• The latter is proving it to yourself, then to your team by action.

So avoid the growth killer by:

1. Asking for feedback

2. Be open to new ideas

3. Learn from others

Your people need you to grow.

What are you going to do about it?

God Bless,

Scott

P.S. Here’s my ask. Share this newsletter with one person you think would benefit from this message. Also, if you need a speaker on soft skills for leaders watch the video below!