Happy New Year! Not only is it a new year, but a whole new decade has begun. With that, I have been doing a lot of reflecting on the positive impacts my consulting and coaching services have made in the growth and leadership skills of my clients this past year.
It comes to no surprise that many of my clients have similar goals and aspirations they would improve upon as a leader or as an organization, such as:
- How can we be a more effective organization?
- How can we create positive change?
- How can we have a more inclusive environment?
- How can I make a difference and be a more effective leader?
Here are 4 things you can start to do now to be a more Conscious Leader in 2020
1. Start with self-awareness.
Without a doubt, this must happen first. You have to know where you are and where you want to go before you can move forward. This is the #1 skill everyone needs if they are interested in continued growth and development.
Rule of Thumb: Pay attention to what you do and the effect on yourself and others.
2. Understand that every one of us has the ability to either empower or diminish.
Every act we take, every thought we have, every belief we hold has an impact. Examine those actions, thoughts, and beliefs. Do they empower or diminish? If you are a leader, your effectiveness is dependent upon empowering those you lead. If you want to leverage the talents of the workforce and/or your own talent, your ability to empower is critical.
Rule of Thumb: Use your power/privilege to empower.
3. Take individual responsibility for creating a more positive outcome.
Stop projecting the responsibility onto someone or something else – whether a person or a system. It starts with each one of us. Become aware of how you operate, interact and judge. Do you stretch yourself? Do you genuinely want to hear the perspectives of others? Do you risk speaking up and engaging with others?
Rule of Thumb: Be part of the solution, not the problem.
4. Don’t let biases drive your behaviors.
Keep in mind that biases are predetermined beliefs or attitudes that happen automatically. They impact Everything! Biases need to be examined, understood and often challenged. They have the power to hold you back; and if you work with others, and especially if you lead others, they hold others back. The quickest way to detect bias is to notice judgments, habits, and reactions.
Rule of Thumb: Don’t judge someone that you don’t know; question your assumptions.
Self-Awareness Exercise: Choose a day to examine how you interact. If you don’t interact, that is an insight into how you operate. Consider how a simple hello, nod or smile might make someone feel – empowered, not diminished. What would you want? What will you choose?
Welcome to the new decade. Make it one of empowerment. Set your intentions, write down your goals, and get help with moving forward to accomplish greater influence and effectiveness in 2020.
