When you become a better human being, you become a better leader too.
I remember distinctly my first reaction to learning that all of my hard work on becoming a better human (and therefore a better leader) wouldn’t result in reaching a particular end goal. I’d thought there was a time of arrival when I couldn’t possibly do any more or get any better. In that moment, I was caught off guard when my mentor gently told me to prepare for a lifelong journey. A particular finality or a destination just wouldn’t happen. It’s safe to say that as someone who was driven toward reaching goals, I was disappointed.
I’ve learned a lot since then, and am grateful to a mentor who actually pointed out the obvious. I’ve learned to enjoy the journey while I simultaneously assist leaders to do the same.
You have not arrived at a destination, nor should you, ever. You should always be working toward “the next version of yourself” (credit for this phrase goes to a wise leader I’ve had the pleasure to know who is working to assist his team members on their journey). As you become a better human, you will also become a better leader. It’s that simple – and that difficult. Some thoughts on how to start and sustain your journey:
Be open to new experiences and people who aren’t like you. This is one way you’ll learn. Some of the most wonderful opening experiences include getting to know quirky people who think or act differently than you do. Listen to them and work to understand their thinking. What learning do they offer for your own growth and development?
Be aware of yourself. Observe your behavior in real time. Listen to and consider the feedback you’ve received on what you can improve. Begin to formulate your “next version of me” plan.
Notice others’ reactions to your behaviors. We all have blind spots, and watching someone else’s reaction to us is a great beginning to understanding how we’re perceived. If someone reacts (whether negatively or in a positive way) – ask them what you did or said to cause them to react in the way they did.
Pick something you’d like to improve about yourself; just one (big) thing (at a time). What behaviors do you want to incorporate more of to improve this particular characteristic in your leadership?
Get help figuring out how to start working on those behaviors. Hiring a coach or seeking a mentor may assist you, but you also have a rich source of people willing to help all around you. Marshall Goldsmith’s Feedforward process is a great way to begin.
Stay on track with your plan. Telling others what you’re working on is a good way to stay accountable. You may also want to partner with someone who will meet with you regularly to hold you accountable, ask the tough questions, and support your journey.
Once you’ve created a habit of your new behavior, start working on the next thing. Your life, and your leadership, will benefit from your continual work on the next version of yourself.
P.S. Make sure you stop over at the Great Leadership May 2012 Leadership Development Carnival hosted by the ever-wonderful Dan McCarthy. There is lots to learn here, including a post by yours truly. Some of the best, most dedicated bloggers in the leadership development arena can’t wait to share their ideas with you, all collected in one place!
