LEADERSHIP EXERCISE
I shiver when I think how many books I have read on the topic of leadership, and I’m sure you have, too. It’s a hot topic in today’s business world. We need more and better leadership than ever before: think about the business role models you’ve seen on the news lately. Scandals, coverups, greed, dishonesty, and perversion seem to surround us. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry this morning when I heard that in Peru the Supreme court just ruled that people are allowed to go to work drunk. I wonder if they ruled that one over a few brewskies. (Note to self: Do not take a cab in Lima) No disrespect to the Peruvian Sumpreme Court; I’m sure there is more to the story, but it struck me oddly, and this picture formed in my mind. OY.
Here is a powerful yet simple, free exercise you can start right this very minute to become a better leader, and it’s a great one to give your leadership team as well. Your leadership team can have their direct reports do this. It costs you and your company nothing, and it will have a huge impact on your results if you’ll do it.
1. Think carefully about someone you consider to be a great leader; either living or dead. Someone you feel compelled and honored to “follow”. Write their name down on paper.
2. Underneath their name, list the characteristics and attributes that person has that makes them a leader worth following. Think of times they have shown great leadership. Your list should have somewhere between 3 and 6 main characteristics that make them a great leader. (for example: ‘great public speaking ability’ might be one characteristic)
3. Examine the list and grade yourself from 1-10 on each of those characteristics. You are not comparing yourself to the other person here, you are simply looking at the list of characteristics on its own, and grading yourself. Where is your lowest score?
4.Look at the characteristics and choose one you think would make the biggest difference in your leadership if you could improve it by bringing your score up a few points. (even one point can make a difference if you are in a leadership role..the higher your position in the company, the smallest improvement can make the biggest difference.)
5. Now make a list of all the ideas you can think of to raise the score you gave yourself for that attribute. Don’t judge your ideas, just brainstorm them. Crazy ideas are okay, too. Be creative.
6. Pick one or two things you can start working on today (for example, join Toastmasters might be one idea if your public speaking ability needs to improve, and you could have your assistant find the closest group and put it on your schedule for next week). There…..you’ve already become a better leader, in advance!
“A community is like a ship; everyone ought to be prepared to take the helm.” –Henrik Ibsen
To your continued success,
Coach Julia
Tags: Executive Coach, executive coaching, Leadership, Leadership Development, leadership exercises, practical leadership
