4 Ways to Triage Your Leadership

As an executive coach I have worked with countless leaders who have scaled to senior levels, only to feel like something was missing. They can’t quite pinpoint what they really want (what they really, really want – sorry, had to throw in Spice Girls there!).

When leaders work for extended periods of time in a state of overwhelm, they often lose touch with what really matters to them. As a result, performance and the ability to connect and engage their teams is compromised.

If you feel like something is missing, it may be time to do triage and give your leadership a little resuscitation. More than ever, there is a need to breathe life back into the quality of leadership in organisations and governments.  This also means getting back in touch with your own humanity. Delving below ego to tune-in to what is really going on for you. If the spark within you needs igniting, here are four ways to make this happen:

Invest in Yourself – ENERGY MATTERS

Pay attention to your energy – how are you showing up? What is the impact of your energy on those around you? Leaders need to be conscious of their “state” because people are always watching. If you preach ‘balance and flexibility’ yet struggle to regulate your own, then monkey-see, monkey-do. There is no heroism in being the person “who works the longest hours in the office”. No glory in neglecting yourself.

For years I had a story that played out during my career. ‘I’m too busy to study / read / etc etc’. A convenient excuse for remaining in status quo. Yes – I had many intense roles. However, investing in my own personal and professional development would have had a huge impact on navigating complexity and change during those years. Personal and professional development go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other.

Leaders with energy are those who practice self-care and compassion. They invest in their talents so they balance the shadow sides of their strengths and show up as a bigger version of themselves each day.

Improve Yourself – VULNERABILITY MATTERS 

Leaders are life-long learners. They are curious always about ways they can learn, grow and expand as people. They use vulnerability responsibly with boundaries – rather than using it as an angle for sympathy. Brene Brown describes this perfectly in this short video.

Tune-In to what is working and not working for you right now. If something isn’t working, is it an opportunity to learn and grow or to partner with someone complementary to you? Asking for help is a trust builder too many leaders forget.

 Innovate the Way you Do Things:  CREATIVITY MATTERS

 As human beings, when we are in a state of threat, our automatic reaction to the situation is often binary – black and white thinking with little space for creativity. Our field of view narrows significantly, holding us in status quo and potentially resistance.  Binary thinking is the enemy of possibility.  Recognising this alone may be helpful to  widening your view a little.

 Are there other possibilities?

What’s happening outside your own insular world?

Who does this really well?

Are there ways forward I haven’t even considered yet?

Integrity at the Core of what You Do:  AUTHENTICITY MATTERS

Authenticity is not about “being yourself” at the cost of everything and everyone else. It’s about bringing your values to life in the way you live each moment. Your values are the anchor keeping you grounded in rough seas. If you are out of alignment with what matters most, then stress is generally the result for you and those you lead. Getting clear on your values makes boundary setting and decision making easier.

 WHICH ONE WILL YOU WORK ON?