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If
you are the type of leader that wants to see a team develop to its
full potential then you need to do the same. The law of nature is
that if a plant isn’t growing, it’s dying and I believe the same is
true of people. Creating a highly engaged workplace begins with a
highly engaged leader, the type of leader who is willing to step out
of their comfort zone and grow as a person. Here are my five steps
for how to do just that.
Get to know yourself Self
awareness, emotional intelligence, personal insight. Call it what
you will but those people who are able to learn from their
experiences and grow as a result are the one who know themselves.
There are many ways to go about doing this . . . taking quizzes,
reading personal development books and keeping a journal are just a
few. If you are brave why not also enlist the help of family,
friends and others who know you well to give you some insights.
Recognise the needs of others Once
you understand yourself it is important to recognise that other
people have different views on the world than you. Whether you are
talking about cultural, gender-generational, or personality based
preferences you need to do all you can to learn more about the needs
of others. The truth is that when you help others you grow yourself
and that help starts with recognising their needs. Make it your
mission to figure out ways to see the world from various
perspectives by engaging people in conversations, observing human
nature or reading about alternative views.
Open up the communication channels
Don’t just talk at people and pretend to listen in response. Find
ways to really open up the communication channels so you can have
richer conversations. Be willing to be more authentic and to tackle
the difficult topics. Learn to read the subtext, to listen to how
things are said and what is not said. Put in place mechanisms that
allow you and others to communicate on the things that matter in a
way that makes a difference.
Work towards an engaging goal
Whether it is a personal or professional goal, if you aren’t
passionate about where you are heading then your chances of success
are minimal. Figure out what engages you, what makes you want to get
out of bed early and stay up late. If you can figure out what that
is for you then it won’t feel like work. Forget what the experts say
or what you “should” be aiming for. Listen to your own instincts and
create a goal that truly engages you.
! give that something extra Just
doing the minimum to get by is not going to cause you to grow. Those
people who are living lives full of energy and passion all tend to
have something in common. They give that little bit extra, even if
there are no short term rewards and even if no one will ever find
out they did it. They do it because they want themselves, and the
world, to be better. So what is your something extra going to be?
Will you volunteer, document your knowledge to help others, be a
mentor? The choice is yours but I can guarantee that,
whatever you choose to do, giving more
than you get will see you grow.
About the author:
Karen Schmidt is a speaker, workshop
leader and facilitator. Her website is
www.letsgrow.com.au
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How
to G.R.O.W.! as a leader