I have a lengthy list of things in my head that leaders avoid doing; here are the top ten. I also hear plenty of excuses for not doing them. Time to remind you of what’s important. What’s your excuse for not doing these?
Developing: It’s is your responsibility to prepare your team members for their next step; it may be your job. And they won’t be ready. Who on your team needs to be stretched and how will you coach them?
Delegating: You’re running ragged because you are the only one who can do some things (or so you think). Meanwhile, your staff would love to be challenged. What can you delegate and challenge them with?
Giving: Your best employees want and need your feedback. Give it to them. What do they need to know?
Reflecting: This allows you to process what you need to do, what you are doing well, and what you need to change. Blowing through your day, crisis by crisis is no way to get better at what you do. When will you start?
Trusting: There are people that you are avoiding and working around because you don’t trust them. Have a dialog and lay it on the line and from the heart with these people. What do you need to say?
Building: To be your best at leading, you must look beyond your daily relationships and find ways to network with others whom you can learn from. Take a small step and start today. Who do you need to know better?
Recognizing: Stop and consider the good things that your employees are doing. Who needs to be recognized and thanked?
Celebrating: An act of omission, you forget that an essential part of your leadership is helping others to rejoice in their successes. What’s going well and how will you celebrate with them?
Balancing: You aren’t taking care of yourself as you should. You work long hours with lots of stress. Your physical, spiritual, and emotional health are neglected. What small thing can you begin to do to take care of yourself today?
Aligning: You are making money, but it may not be enough. Aligning your values and passion with your work are essential. Spend some time reflecting on what’s not aligned for you at work. What do you need to start or stop doing?
At least one of these has been tapping you on the shoulder to be remedied. The things we avoid drain our energy and make us less effective leaders. Choose one to work on, and take a small step toward resolution today!
