When leaders are doing their best, they Model the Way, Inspire a Shared Vision, Challenge the Process, Enable Others to Act, and Encourage the Heart.–James M. Kouzes
Many studies have been conducted about leadership challenges, and most have quite a few commonalities:
- Developing effective leadership skills
- Managing through change
- Consistently recognizing and rewarding accomplishments
- Inspiring others
- Communicating goals and how they can, and must be, supported
- Building trust within teams and across organizations
- Being aware of, and having the skills, to address conflict
That’s a relatively short list. Which do you find most troublesome? Which challenges would you add?
As leaders, we need to be self aware. How do we see ourselves? How do we show-up? Next is the tough part, how do others see us? Answering these questions may add to our personal list of challenges.
To SELF ASSESS, ask yourself:
1. What’s the purpose of my leadership?
2. Would my staff feel that I’m committed to their improvement?
3. Do I feel I make a real difference and feel valued? Would my staff agree?
4. Do I create and maintain relationships that help the organization thrive and obtain results?
5. Do I know what’s expected of me and do I deliver on those expectations?
6. Do others know what I expect of them?
7. Are my priorities clearly communicated and supported?
8. Do I take sufficient action to improve individual and team performance?
9. Am I committed to self development?
10. Is going to work enjoyable? (at least most of the time?)
11. What keeps me up at night?
12. What are my challenges and what am I doing do address them?
As we’ve said before, being a leader is not easy and requires courage. Did you discover anything new from the assessment?
Name at least one leadership challenge you’ll begin to develop, starting today!
If you want to have a significant impact on people, on organizations, and on communities, you’d be wise to invest in learning the behaviors that enable you to become the very best leader you can.
—James M. Kouzes