How to Ignite Fire
Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win a copy of, “Lead Positive.”
(25 copies available. Winners chosen at random.)
The first job of leadership is catching a glimpse of who you are. Leaders who don’t know who they are end up defined by others and pushed around by position or title.
Don’t lose yourself.
Don’t get your hopes up. There’s no quick and easy way to figure out who you are. There’s no shortcut or conclusion either.
Freedom:
When you know and accept who you are:
- Jobs don’t define you.
- Arrogance doesn’t blind you.
- Expectations from others don’t master you.
Through the fog:
Glimpses of the real you appear in the fog when you reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, joys, and frustrations.
Self-reflection:
Skills, strategies, and methods are machines punching out widgets until “you” bring them to life.
I found a three step self-reflection exercise in, “Lead Positive,” to help you find fire.
Step 1:
Complete this sentence, “When I am at my best, I am a leader who is ________.”
Now, complete the sentence four more times.
Step 2:
Complete, “If I were an even more effective leader, I would be ________.”
Other-reflection:
You’re blind to who you really are. Others help you see. That’s why you need step three.
Step 3:
Ask one or two of your colleagues to reflect on you and complete steps one and two with you in mind.
When (your name) is at his/her best, he/she is a leader who is ________.
If (your name) were an even more effective leader, he/she would be ________.
Fire:
Fire ignites when you bring your true self to challenges and opportunities. Boredom dominates when you lose yourself to position, expediency, and expectation.
Leaders who bring themselves to challenges and opportunities engage in effortless effort.
Win a copy of, “Lead Positive,” by Kathryn Cramer by completing steps one and two of the self-reflection exercise. Leave your reflections in the comments below. (25 copies available.)
Fired up now for sure! Feeling good.becuase, right now all these steps are in process.
Love the three steps. Will most certainly take each. I confess to being a bit apprehensive RE: Step 3. :0)
Oh well! Know thy self, yes?
Dan, as always, you challenge me the think. Thank you!
I can’t agree with this post more; I’m in a leadership position because I’ve simply stayed on course with my character- the stuff I learned in Boy Scouts. As luck would have it, industry in America is in dire need of leaders… Becoming an Eagle Scout was the one thing my parents required and the values have stuck. News Flash…. People are attracted to leaders with values!
Looking forward to the book! -Chris
Step one:
thoughtful, caring, listening, provocative
Step two:
more organized
Mary
When I am at my best, I am a leader who is inspiring. If I were an even more effective leader I would be more frugal with my words.
A really good post as usual. Keep up the outstanding work!!
Great excercise for our next team meeting.
When I am at my best, I am a leader who is averse to talking about and insistent on talk to people. If were an even more effective leader, I would be reaching out more to partners and customers to gauge how I am doing from their perspective.
Well, thanks Shane Mindfulness is awesome!!!! Ok back to being quiet and noticing myself!!!! Hehe
So Dan, out of the park!!!!
Know thyself, anything that leads in the inner direction rocks!!
1. I am the best as a Leader when I am Leading!
2. Epic, The Greatest Oxytocin Generating Machine of All Time!!,
Have completed the 3 Simple Steps I just found out about from Tevor Blake, on a beach somewhere with Samm not answering these questions on this blog post!!!
3. Being listened to!!!!! Lol. Ok. Doing!!
Teaching
Ok think I followed directions Dan which by the way I RARELY do!! But respect you so gave it my best!!!
Take care!!! Sounds like a cool book!!
SP
EA
I lead a church. Will be having a leadership retreat next month. What a great exercise for us to pursue! Thanks!
True Leaders Don’ t need a title, they just lead. Titles are for corporate hierarchy, ego trips and designations for status quo. This is not intended to be disrespectfull! There truly are great. leaders with impressive qualificatios, I sometimes see a lot of fluff and no stuff, walk the walk but don’t talk the talk.
These are great steps.. I’ll be using them sor sure with my exec board.
Hi Alex!
This is perfectly said and I especially like the way that you have focused on making people excited about trying new things and feeling confident.
An atmosphere of trust and a place to be risk-free is really important.
Thanks for capturing your thoughts in such a clear way: it has helped me clarify mine.
Mary
“When I am at my best, I am a leader who is – supportive, transparent, humble and able to meet people at their point of need. Able to make people excited about trying new things and making progress toward defined goals and feeling confident if it is not perfect the first time out the gate we can make a adjustments, minor failures and still succeed.”
“If I were an even more effective leader, I would be a more comfortable change leader, comfortable in areas unknown or unproven, but – able to lead my team through the troubled waters more securely that lie ahead in our ever chainging world of Health Care.”
Great thoughts.
When I am at my best, I am a leader who is inspiring, passionate, visionary , contagious.
If I were an even more effective leader, I would be able to share my passion with a wider group of people.
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Hamlet Act 1 Scene 3
Good evening Dan
My answer to no#1 is compassionate. Without compassion , a leader settles for status quo. Compassion ignite’s enthusiasm, yours, thiers, anyone and everyone connected to your vision. No#2, be a better listener. Most people listen to reply, missing the opportunity to otherwise learn. Instead, a successful leader knows listening to understand opens the door to learning. Learning increases knowledge, knowledge unlocks doors. When a leader is at their best they inspire, they create cohesiveness, they cause those who follow them to believe that something bad can be turned into something good. To be the best leader you can be you gota be true to who you are. You have to own your decsions, you need to be the type of leader people want to follow not the tyrant they have to follow. It’s true, people can spot a fake a mile away. You are who you are and where you are because of who you are. Don’t try being something your not. “JUST BE YOURSELF, it’s something no one else can be”…..
Cheers Dan
P.S. I thought for a minute you weren’t going to post today, “figured you were out hunting groundhogs”!!!!!
This framing is very, very helpful. Especially once you have experience to reflect on. It’s refreshing to always come back to simple concepts that stand the test if time. You don’t need to be an Ivy League grad to lead, assess, adapt, and grow. Thank you!
Dan, As a Chief Fire Officer, “Igniting Fire” is near and dear to me on a multitude of levels. I have an older somewhat laid back officer corp that work with me and I continually use your input to ignite that fire. I don’t require my personnel to read “The Leadership Freak” however they get it forwarded to them on a regular basis. I use your input almost daily and will be using this as well. Thanks Bob
If I were an effective leader, I would be invisible — I shouldn’t be in the way of my people succeeding, and I definitely don’t want to be in the way of them getting the credit for what they accomplish.
If I were an even more effective leader, I would be behind everyone else — not because I want to hide, but because I want the best people out front, showing off what we can do.
My perspective on leadership is not that we are “in charge”, but that we need to protect our people, encouraging them to do their best.
It’s so much better for us to define our position at work rather than letting it define us. This allows us to be much more effective for our teams. Great post!
Leaders light fires when they espouse the organization’s cause more than their own leadership success or personal well-being. Nothing inspires like a leader who is self-sacrificing. Driving engagement means presenting the cause as a burning need, developing a common plan, and starting to engage with a willing coalition. As the song says, “It only takes a spark to get a fire going, and soon all those around will warm up in its glowing.”. The spark of a leader is self-sacrificing concentration on the organization’s mission, its people, and those to whom it provides goods and services. Leadership is not restricted to position. Some of the best leaders are in the middle and the bottom of organizations. They are the ones whose attitude and actions are infectious and inspire others to engage in common purpose.
This was great self reflection! And I needed it right now. Going to use this at my next leader meeting, too. THANK YOU!! Cheers,
Kelly
Great blog! I
I love your suggestions – reading it I also thought about how leaders that are clear with their values and make decisions based on those values are often the leaders who are authentic, genuine and ignite a fire!
Fire is catching! And this post will help us catch ourselves on fire so others we lead can burn too!
It’s coming to work with me on Monday…GREAT exercise!
Great article. Always looking for more information about how to be a better leader.
Great article!
When I am at my best, I am a leader who is humble, thinking of my team members, praying and studying consistently, and not passive aggressive.
If I were an even more effective leader, I would be more relational (communication and caring) for those I serve.
Thank you for the wisdom in your words. Leadership requires cultivating and following superb advice. Take big risks leaders!
Great read, thanks!
When I am at my best, I am a leader who is passionate, productive, hungry and seeing opportunities everywhere.
If I were a more effective leader, I would move more fearlessly.
Great post, Dan!
Mae
Another dynamic post for our church’s leadership team to dig into as we continue to work toward generating and receiving helpful feedback. Thank you, Dan! You keep writing; we’ll keep reading. Deal.
Thanks for the contest, Dan… My responses are:
Step 1:
“When I am at my best, I am a leader who is compassionate”
Now, complete the sentence four more times.
“When I am at my best, I am a leader who is forceful”
“When I am at my best, I am a leader who is dynamic”
“When I am at my best, I am a leader who is empathetic”
“When I am at my best, I am a leader who listens”
Step 2:
Complete, “If I were an even more effective leader, I would be of service to all who come to me”
Thanks…
Fantastic guidance tool!
Great, focused post.
When I am at my best, I am facilitating group conversation and helping bring the vision to reality.
If I were more effective, I would speak more directly to our purpose and follow up on commitments.
Real leaders always will reflect their strength and weakness and weigh them before demonstrating / influencing others to imbibe them and ignite fire in others by leading followers in the right path. When you reflect this into others, this has to be shared without any expectations / compliments but just to ignite minds.
Another “thoughtful” post. Reflections move us forward. Change happens one conversation at a time.
will use these questions right away….and will use question #3 as a feedback mechanism with my career coaching clients…thanks, as always.
Yes this definitely lights my fire! I’ll be sharing this with my team. One of my favorite quotes is:
You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”
– Mahatma Gandhi –
This is an excellent way to live one’s life. If we are active participants in the changes we wish to see, we will have a more effective impact – not only on our lives but on the lives of others, as well!
1. “When I am at my best, I am a leader who is energized, passionate, focused and serving. 2. “If I were an even more effective leader, I would be more patient
Love the statement “Boredom dominates when you lose yourself to position, expediency, and expectation”. How true! Position, expediency, and expectation are outcomes whereas challenges and opportunities are “in progress”. The excitement is in the journey, not the outcome.
Thanks for the inspiration !
Step 1- When I am at my best, I am a leader who is…
Focused, genuine, clear, great listener
Step 2- If I were even a more effective leader I would be…
Vulnerable, more focused and an even better listener
It seems that accepting who you are as a leader allows you to admit strengths and weaknesses. Then Embrace our strengths and improve our weaknesses
I love the whole idea of knowing who you are, and using your strengths to inspire people to succeed as well Love this article. I’m a college student and I’m really excited about my future, but I don’t want to let a job define me, so I love what this article outlines. I might try to come up with my own spin on it! Thanks!
Step 1 – When I am at my best, I am a leader who is…confident, attention-giving, in flow, and enthusiastic.
Step 2 – If I were even a more effective leader I would be…more organized and prepared.
Thanks for the chance to win! Great exercise.
I found that I became a better leader when I stopped holding back with the concerns of
someone possibly replacing me or people moving on to a different church when they
didn’t get their way or didn’t like the way “things” were going.
Many leaders say this; but very few honestly practice this.
I’m still working on this, but I’ve found that those I lead “truly” know that I’m trying to
keep God and His plan first in my life and in the life of the church and they respond
better and more honestly.
PTL Pastor Paul!!!
Hey thanks for the article. It was a great read and a timely reminder about leadership.
#1. At my best, I am a leader who is listening,collaborating,confident and empathetic
#2. If I were an even more effective leader, I would be more focused
I think that knowing what leader to be related to situation at hand is what makes you great leader. Perhaps this is why knowing yourself in terms of being secure in conviction of own experience and wisdom is such an important factor. This, coincidentally, will also allow you to face every challenge with courage and conviction of success.
Would answers to question 3 help? Possibly. But being a good leader means also actions which do not please everyone, it is quite possible that answers of those hurt may be biased. You need to discount that bias if you want to get something useful out of that one.
…a great exercise for a Leader. ….and to step it up further, I can envision changing the word leader to just about any other role imaginable: team member, contributor, mentor, husband, wife, father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter…..
Thanks so much for this tool for assessment and reflection!
Wow! A leader MUST KNOW who they are! Awesome article!
Step three matters a great deal brecause the only way we can begin to know what we don’t know, especially about ourselves, is through the eyes of others.
When I am at my best,I’m a leader who is true to myself.
When I’m at my best, I’m a leader who is authentic.
When I’m at my best, I’m a leader who is at peace within me and around me
When I’m at my best, I’m a leader that has found my purpose in life.
I would be an even more effective leader,if I could just pass this moment of how I feel to all I meet along the way.
Sorry, 3rd part.
When I am at my best, I am a leader who is Intuitive, respectful, Communicative. When I am at my best I am able to connect with the people I lead to inspire and influence them to be achievers.
Terrific post Dan.
When I am at my best, I am a leader who is teaching, encouraging, learning, or removing obstacles for my team.
If I were an even more effective leader, I would be less stressed.
If I were an even more effective leader, I would develop other leaders and allow then to assume some of my leadership roles.
I never have really sat down to think about these things. It’s so true and the words have great meaning.
Thought of a Sun Tzu quote while reading this post.
“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.”
Knowing ourselves is by far the most crucial step towards true effectiveness.
🙂
This seems like a good goal setting exercise. But what really ignites your desire to lead are those experiences that test your metal. The best example of this is the military culture. Whether a mission is successful or a failure, that military leader briefs his/her leadership on what went right and what went wrong, and why. It’s in that “why” part that you discover your strengths and weaknesses. It’s the “why’s” phase where you learn more about yourself and grow as a leader.
Everyone looking to lead should analyze their last success or failure and ask yourself “why was I successful?” or “why did I fail?”. In that reflection, you will discover yourself.
Very inspiring
I had all but given up hope after having worked for several individuals who led by fear and intimidation. Each day was a challenge as they daily reminded me that I could be replaced. I have always believed in TEAM, but found it difficult to implement. Thanks for reminding me that a job doesnt define who I am!
When I at my best, I am a leader who is praising people progressively and passionately. Leadership is no longer about position , but passion. Positions define from the outside ,but passion comes from within.
When im at my best im leading by example and accepting no freebies and burning my boats through the trenches. Losing is never an option for my people.
When im at my best im teaching followers that leadership begins on the extra mile.
When im at my best im incorporating prayer, patience, and perserverance to each leader. Im breaking down how each one of these
Words and explaining how it impacts and inspires imagination.
When i am at my best i am leader who finds time to reduce, reflect, and relax through it all. This is a representstion of finding balance as a leader. Reducing drama and ego increasese productivity in people and builds trust and loyalty.
Reflection allows leaders to learn from the past, live in the present, and plan from the future. Relaxation gives the body time to rehabilitate.
Step 2:
“If i were an even more effective leader, i would be more connected and committed to culture.
Step 3:
When Demetrius Kilgore is at his best he is a leader who is devoted and driven.
If Demetrius were an even more effective leader he would be strategic. Thanks Dan.
Demetrius26.wordpress.com
Demetrious
Thanks, your comments are both profound and so true. Being true to yourself and who you are makes connecting with others possible. Leading effectivley is all about the relationships we build with others. You can’t fake your way through leadership. If you can’t perform to the standard you hold others to,your either to demanding or maybe your not meant to be a leaderat all.
I am being challenged to think about leadership in a different light. Thank you.
Chris
Sent from my iPhone
I think this has real value. I intend to sub “leader” for “teacher” and do it with my staff in a meeting tomorrow.
I’m constantly searching to be a better leader and a better person. I reflect.. ask others to reflect… try to be responsive and learn from those exercises. It’s just something I do… I just want to be better… more effective… and someone who helps affect positive change and growth in others!
Great point Ellen. Key word growth. Never complacency, always consistency.
I love the idea of putting the statements together not just your own view , but soliciting co-worker views. Thank you.
Great post. My organization used a similar exercise years ago. You sent a short survey out to 3-5 colleagues with very similar questions. You received a report back that analyzed the responses. It was very enlightening for many. I am not sure why the practice stopped, but I found it very valuable.
I agree with a lot of this. Well thought out blog. I really like the idea of having colleagues who care enough about you to be honest to help critique. A true leader can embrace honest feedback and work to improve.
“Fire” allows you to see the true you in the mirror everyday for all 3 steps
The best takeaway for any leader, young or old is: When you know and accept who you are:
Jobs don’t define you.
Arrogance doesn’t blind you.
Expectations from others don’t master you.
Love the thought provoking questions.
Step 1: well rested, fully engaged, have a positive attitude, and acting on my values.
Step 2: embrace the dynamic changes of my work incorporating the steps in #1
Thank you!
What an excellent exercise!
Step 1: empowering
Step 2: a better listener
Overall to mindful of the needs of others and to have better follow through.
“When I am at my best, I am a leader who is visionary, fully listening, mentoring, practical, innovative.
“If I were an even more effective leader, I would be creative, inspiring, passionate, humble, calm.”
Having a compelling mission and/or vision helps feed your leadership fire. If you believe your role is to ensure the success of an important project, you can’t help but to be a good leader. The military does a good job at cultivating leaders, why can’t our colleges and universities have courses/programs that specifically build the leadership qualities in their students?
Thank you for the daily emails. Really good stuff!
Several of your ideas resonate with Kouzes and Posner. Thank you for the important reminder to be true to myself!
One of the exercises I use for myself and the Dept. Leaders on my team fits well into your “2-question exercise”. I call it a “Leadership Circle” and ask them to put themselves inside of the circle and write down how they believe those outside of the circle see them. Then I have them write the name of the best 1 or 2 Leaders they have ever worked for and write their own name outside of the circle and write down how they saw those leaders and what they liked about them. Then I have them compare and ask them if they are working to become the type of leader they truly believe they need to be to lead their teams.
Great Article.
Thanks,
Bob
To me step 3 is so very valuable. I rarely take time to reflect on “Who I Am” and when I do I cant’ see myself through the eyes of those I may be influencing. Having outsiders provided clarity is crucial. Even if it comes in the form of sincere criticism, feedback is like mining for gold.
“When I am at my best, I am a leader who is all about creating opportunities for others to succeed.” This past year an employee of mine was not performing well for a lot of reasons. One of his colleagues came to me and asked me to “save” her colleague. My response was, “I don’t save employees, I give employees the opportunity to save themselves.”
“If I were an even more effective leader, I would be able to retire leaving a legacy wherein employees would ignite their own fire.”
Enjoyed reading others input, thanks Dan…Jim
1, passionate and supportive
2, steadfast and confident with change
This is a good tip for me. Being a leader is hard when you do not know yourself when you are at your best and when you will be someone you don’t know. Thanks.
Am taking on a large new team and this will be a great exercise to give my existing team to give me more insight when growing and integrating both teams. Thanks!!!
Thanks for the exercise–just the pick-me-up to get motivated again.
Step 1:
When I am at my best, I am a leader who is humble, creative, encouraging, optimistic, listens.
If I were an even more effective leader, I would be more confrontational.
This is a great exercise for me as a girls basketball coach, thank you –
Step 1::
When I am at my best, I am a leader who is engaged 100 % in my groups inter-actions, exuding trust my interactions, sincere at heart with my input, and last but not least always selfless.
If I were an even more effective leader, I would be able to communicate positively all the time.
I learn from you every day, and boy do I have so much to learn! Thanks for sharing!
Going to try #3 with my co-workers and see what type of feedback I can get.
I lack the words for answering #1, but I know I’m leading when it feels right. Hope their responses will get me fired up!
Great post. Leadership begins with self. A person who knows self, is comfortable with self, and exudes confidence can IGNITE the Spark for Leadership in others.
Very similar to the statement “Today, more than any day before
What a coincidence I was thinking about this topic this past week and ended up writing about one of my defining moments in leadership. http://crazypanamanianunplugged.wordpress.com/2014/03/14/i-shall-rise-from-the-ashes/
This event helped me realize the type of leader I wantto be.
It’s so much easier to lead when I know what I stand for and what ignites my fire
Opportunity to lead in positive fashion is more engaging than constantly seeking problems to conquer. It seems also to be a way to engage others in improvement rather that achieve glory as the manager who solves problems for other.
Thanks for continuing to find sources of inspiration & reflection to help us evolve.
Mike
I am yet to find the ‘job’ I would be ignited enough to focus on the possibilities and opportunities than to see what is wrong and should be done otherwise. However, I am totally ignited with my hobby, reaching out to bring the fire out on others, pouring fuel on their flames and helping them to reach their potential…
Hmm… too bad there is no such job opportunity in my field of hobby that would pay the bills, though…
This is great ties in with a book I am reading, ‘Soar with your strength.’
“When I am at my best, I am a leader who is MOTIVATED.”
“When I am at my best, I am a leader who is ENTHUSIASTIC.”
“When I am at my best, I am a leader who is HAPPY”
“When I am at my best, I am a leader who is CONFIDENT.”
“When I am at my best, I am a leader who is LOOKING FOR MORE.”
“If I were an even more effective leader, I would be SOBER.”
i would like to be Honest and dedicated to my leadership to make the best.
Emotional intelligence, appreciative inquiry and the positive psychology movement remind/educate us on the value of a positive approach and attitude. All we have to do is ‘play’ with the possibilities of approaching/dealing with situations with a positive versus negative approach and then analyzing/reflecting on the difference. Positivity ‘wins’ all the time! And yet it takes a conscious effort by most people. Try it!
First of all is passion to help, then persevere by going the extra mile: these are necessary conditions to accomplish the ultimate goal of leadership
Perfect timing!! Thanks!!!
Accidentally I completed the feedback exercise in the course of a mindfulness training which about 40 colleagues of mine and I went through during 8 weeks, and I was surprised about the coherence of the feedback I received across hierarchies and functional areas. I often seem to come across as responsible, passionate, professional, competent, reliable, sincere, and caring, but on the other hand, as intimidating, impatient, and blunt. Definitely valuable feedback.
I would like to believe that when I’m at my best, I am an inspiration for others. Because that’s what leadership for me is about: Bringing out the best in others.
I appreciated Kathy’s intuneness as a child and that her brokeness helped shape her to help shape others. I want to add her book to my library for coaching and leading others.
Thanx, Dan. I’m going to try step 3. I’m curiouse to find out if I look at myself in the same light as others.
Glen
How many people won’t go through this exercise because it feels like “work”? (Hint: The ones who don’t understand you can’t be a great leader without working at it.)
When I am at my best, I am a leader that is engaged
When I am at my best, I am a leader that is listening
When I am at my best, I am a leader that is vulnerable
When I am at my best, I am a leader that is asking “what” questions?
When I am at my best, I am a leader that is real
If I was an even more effective leader, I would be peaceful
When Cindy is at her best, she is a leader that is thoughtful
If Cindy was a more effective leader, she would be a published author 🙂 yes someone on my team said that
Great reflection and action steps to clear the fog. Have found over time it is a repeatable exercise not a once and done.
I love your articles and your tweets. I’m a facilitator of positive leadership here in Australia and love your reflection exercise.
When I’m at my best as a leader I am connected to the members in my team
If I were an even more effective leader I would nurture this aspect more with my people
Fabulous! I am going to do this activity with my team.
Reading the Leadership Freak posts makes me think about how I do my job, treat my coworkers and look at myself. Thank you.
I am doing a 360 Evaluation on my boss this week. These questions are so valuable for all leaders!
1. . . . willing to listen and change my plans is appropriate.
2. . . . ask more questions
I’ve enjoyed reading your posts for some time but have not engaged in the conversation. I had a moment of clarity last week so this piece was very timely. I’ve also been asked to participate in a leadership institute for work so I’m glad to have the opportunity to start reflecting in preparation for it. Thank you for a thought provoking piece!
When I am at my best, I am a leader who is…
an active listener
involved in resolving an issue with the whole team
empathetic to others’ needs
engaged
able to allow others space to do their best
If I were an even more effective leader, I would be more open and straightforward when confronting issues. I think I can make matters worse when I worry too much about hurting others. It doesn’t allow for their growth or my own.
Step 1:
“When I am at my best, I am a leader who is committed.”
“When I am at my best, I am a leader who is energized.”
“When I am at my best, I am a leader who is resourceful.”
“When I am at my best, I am a leader who is empowering.”
“When I am at my best, I am a leader who is encouraging.”
Step 2:
“If I were an even more effective leader, I would be
multiplying others on a more regular basis.”
Step 1:
Complete this sentence, “When I am at my best, I am a leader who is Joyful, Peaceful, Happy, and Fully engaged.”
Step 2:
Complete, “If I were an even more effective leader, I would be about more knowledgeable about the subject matter that I do not fully understand. I would also have more knowledge regarding people traits and habits, .”
Always excited to read your blog. If takes such a short time to read it and days to think about the meaning. I have found myself coming back and searching topics to see what you have said previously about certain things. Self reflection. The key to unlocking potential. However, I have never seen this repeat it four times business. This makes you really think. The first one is usually quickly found…but to think up 4 more…
A good lesson, Thanks, Dan!
Step 1:
Complete this sentence, “When I am at my best, I am a leader who is _____listening___.”
….empathetic…..consistent……guiding
Now, complete the sentence four more times.
Step 2:
Complete, “If I were an even more effective leader, I would be ___more analytical_____.”
When I am at my best, I am a leader who is caring, passionate, vision-focused or deliberate, a servant-leader. If I were an even more effective leader, I would be more effective at using/modelling new strategies, ideas, technologies.
When I am at my best, I am a leader who creatively involves the people around me to solving difficult problems effectively and efficiently.
Thanks for this.
Step one: decisive, strong, caring, act with integrity
step two: focused
Someone once said that we sometimes have to give up who we are to become who we can be. Dynamic leaderhsip is a component that is rare and must be engaged through self relfection and honest feedback to yourself. I love how this 3 step process allows the leader to “remember” how they got their fire in the first place.
Its scary to see what others will say about you, but we must know the who we really are.
1. Serving, energetic, sharing my knowledge, inspiring others to learn
2. care more about others
what team members said about me:
1. wise in his decisions
2. more of a teacher
I was run by other’s expectations for most of my life. It wasn’t until I was in my fourties and my children almost out of the house that I started to wrestle with “who am I?”. It is almost shocking how little I knew about myself, I had spent the last twenty years trying to be a “good wife”‘ and a “good mother” instead of just being Chris, who happened to be a wife and a mother. I was so worried about being “good enough” I lost me. It has been an interesting process the last two years, I have learned a lot, and have come to appreciate (mosts days) how I am wired and who I am. I love the steps laid out here and will definitely be walking through them, so thank you! I would love a copy of the book!!
Step 1:
“When I am at my best, I am a leader who is ________.” Confident, reassuring, inspiring, challenging, empathetic.
Step 2:
Complete, “If I were an even more effective leader, I would be ________.” Clearly communicating my plans/intentions in a structure fashion for others to follow.
Be thy true self! Very good. I will definitely ask someone else (probably a few others) to fill in the sentence with regard to how they see me. Thank you for your always insightful posts.
step one
Confident, thoughtful, efficient, prepared
Step two
vision minded/forward thinking and organized
Thanks for sharing this great exercise.
When I am at my best, I am a leader who is grounded, focused on assets and possibilities, collaborative, trusting, and inspired/inspiring.
If I were an even more effective leader, I would be less distracted by organizational financial concerns.