I’m curious, how well do the leaders around you display the three tell-tale signs below?
More importantly, how often would your team members, your peers and your boss see you displaying them?
1. Great Leaders “Rock The Boat”
They always:
—Pass the “lean forward” test. They care about what’s going on. And so notice when something isn’t at its best.
—Ask provocative questions—with a kind-heart and with a solution-orientation
e.g. “What are your thoughts on what we could do to turn this around?”
—Encouragingly hear your thoughts and feelings.
2. They’re Enthusiastic—Yet They’re Pretty Chilled
They’re not too fired up—or too lukewarm about things either.
There’s a nice mix of passion and calmness in them. (Now I’m thinking about a nice gin and tonic, without ice. Are you?)
Importantly, their gusto doesn’t mean that they leap from one thing to another. They’re unruffled as they focus on their targeted outcome.
Watch out, their easy, relaxed-yet-eager nature is quite contagious!
3. They’re Intelligent—But They Have An Unguarded Innocence As Well
Some intelligent people are pompous with their intelligence. Great leaders are not.
They have a healthy naivety about “what can be done and what can’t be done”.
Because they don’t have the constraints that other leaders have, they step bravely into unknown territory.
Their intelligence however has them navigating a safe path along the adventurous route.
In summary, great leaders:
- Don’t question for the sake of questioning. They “rock the boat” kind-heartedly.
- They have a healthy yet contagious excitement about them.
- They courageously go where-others-fear-to-tread.
Your Call To Action
I’m hoping that you’re already considering what opportunities you have to enhance your leadership
—enhancements that could pave the way for promotions? 🙂
Which of these three tell-tale signs could you ramp up?
“Carolyn has a broad and deep knowledge that she adapts to all sorts of people and situations.
She very quickly establishes and maintains trust and rapport, which makes (coaching sessions)
so much more effective. Carolyn’s coaching is not just hard work, it’s fun too.”
—Chief Information Officer, manufacturing and retail company
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carolyn Stevens has worked with leaders for more than 25-years—hundreds of them.
She’s supported leader after leader (including those who previously struggled to confront the difficult, let alone persuasively deal with the it) flourish—and become confident, courageous and impressively influential.
Carolyn is authentic and results-oriented. She draws on an eclectic array of approaches, tools and techniques to suit the situation.
