There are people whose leadership can feel peremptory and rushed, as if it were a mile wide and an inch deep. They have so many diverse responsibilities, and are trying to do so many different things well. They may feel there is not enough time for them to lead as deeply or well as they would like.
There are three steps each of us can take toward deeper, more satisfying leadership.
Develop your relationship to yourself.
Leadership is not something we import from outside ourselves. Leadership comes from who we are. Who we each are shapes our own unique leadership.
Time spent listening to ourselves and reflecting on what we hear helps us understand our leadership. As we listen, we discover our own hidden strengths and potential.
The seeds of deep leadership are planted in listening and silence. Take time to listen to yourself each day.
Share your true self with the people around you.
As we develop a stronger relationship to our true selves, we can relate to the people around us in new ways. We begin to see glimmers of hope, recognizing the potential of other people.
We become more deeply acquainted with people. Qualities we have seen as strengths and weaknesses become harder to differentiate. We are more likely to find ways people complement each other.
Find a way to share your authentic self with someone each day.
Remember the values that draw us forward.
Take one step each day that helps you remember your core values that bring you together and draw you forward. It is easy to lose sight of the reasons, the Why?, when we are buried in How? and When?
Find a tangible way to remind yourself about Why? each day.
Where could your leadership be deepened?
What steps will you take into deeper leadership today?
[Image by jonathanhoeglund]
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