As a leader, you serve as a role model as stakeholders constantly watch your signals. How can you lead effectively while recognizing others' perceptions?
𝗕𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳. Start with self-awareness. Following your values consistently will be reassuring both to you and others.
𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗲𝗺𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘆. Know others in your team and understand the influences in their lives. Try asking deeper questions as, “What’s one thing you need in order to grow with us?”
𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀. Realize everyone makes mistakes, starting with you, and focus on what you learned. I've seen so much wasted energy spent on covering mistakes versus handling them.
𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲. Take time to breathe (literally and figuratively) for perspective and assess all options.
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗹𝘆. Be realistic and accept negative situations but remember that crises become unexpected opportunities.
It's tempting to act out the media-hyped trope of a self-absorbed genius. Like lotteries, almost everyone loses this game even though we only hear adventures of the rare winners.
The pressure of being a role model can push you to be a better person even when not being observed.
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Photo by Matthew Henry who can be found here: https://www.instagram.com/matt_henry_photo/