12 Leadership Development Questions Any Leader Can Use Today
Every teacher learns before they teach.
Every teacher learns while they teach.
The learner in the coffee shop:
I stood and embraced Jack when he walked into the coffee shop where I was meeting with a young leader. Jack’s in his 80’s and an elder statesman in the community where I live.
He looked at the young man, then back at me, and asked, “Is he a good student?”
Jack’s question made me a little uncomfortable. I said, “Yes, he’s a great student.”
On the way home it hit me. I was the real student.
People then skills:
Leaders are giddy to learn new strategies and skills. Teach me how to motivate people, resolve conflict, or cast compelling vision.
Leadership development requires more than strategies and skills.
“Becoming a leader is synonymous with becoming yourself.” Warren Bennis (3/8/1925 – 7/31/2014)
Everyone who develops leaders learns about people AND helps people learn about themselves.
Reflection:
One secret of leadership development is providing time for others to engage in self-reflection.
- What do you already know? How might that apply to current challenges?
- What are you doing that makes you feel energized? What does that say about you?
- What makes you feel connected with people? What blocks connection?
- When do you feel most powerful? Anxious? Successful?
- What is your role – not title – on the team? In your organization?
- What’s confusing? Where do you need greater clarity, simplicity, or focus?
- What do your hobbies say about you? How does that inform your leadership journey?
- What frustrates you?
- What are you reluctant to try?
- How might you maximize your strengths?
- Who on your team should you be developing? How?
- Who has helped you on your leadership journey? How are you different because of them?
It isn’t what you teach. It’s what others learn about themselves that changes people.
What blocks self-reflection?
How might leaders help OTHERS learn about themselves?
We don’t take the TIME to reflect. While time is always going to be an issue, it is important—especially for leaders—to take time to reflect. Those questions are great, Dan.
Number 8; What frustrates you? Stands out loud and clear in my life, my work and beyond. Attempting to resolve the “frustrations” consumes time, energy and passion. I can work out the items I have to take care of, but am solely frustrated by the lack of passion, energy and direction of most others in my spear of influence.
What blocks self-reflection?
There shouldn’t be a gap between one’s true beliefs and the actual manner in which they go about their day to day. Unfortunately, for many, that gap exists. Self-reflection requires a no-nonsense look at whether one is truly heeding what they advise others to do. Although beneficial, self-reflection does not have to be a scheduled practice as one should consistently be doing this to truly be an influential leader.
How might leaders help OTHERS learn about themselves?
Leaders can help others learn about themselves by practicing self-reflection. Also, a leader must be candid about their choices in life and how they’ve grown because of their experiences and how they’ve managed their circumstances. Sometimes, leaders project an image of excellence as if the way they are now is the way they have always been. We were all once a seed who was planted and we have all grown magnificently because of our unique exposure to sunlight, food source and manicuring.
Interesting on “self reflection” and the exposure to sunlight. Here’s how I do it, Each morning I head east out of Los Angeles County towards the “Inland Empire” where I work. I subscribe to XM radio and am hooked on the Kenny Chesney Channel. I “self reflect” on life, love, family, work and what i expect for the day ahead while listening and “singing” along to the varied songs. As I get closer to work, the darkness clears and the sun rises in my eyes from the east a validation of my “self reflection” and signal that its time to put my big boy boots on but again and to get at it for that particular day.
Dan, what is wrong with my brain? I’m reading along and loved “Becoming a leader is synonymous with becoming yourself.” And I wanted to tell you I loved it then my thoughts go to… you might be a control freak if you are compelled to comment on every blog. LOL. Help, I think my brain is out to get me.
This reminds me of a quote I heard from Colin Powell once and I had to look it up. He said “Leadership is all about people. It’s not about organizations. It’s not about plans. It’s not about strategies. It’s all about people motivating people to get the job done.” I have to say, I wasn’t always the best at this. I think I felt people should be self-driven and motivated, but I definitely am seeing things differently as I get older. It’s true that the best Leaders are ones who are constantly learning themselves.
Remember, General Welsh’s comment, “Leadership Is a Gift Given by Those Who Follow.”
Pain can stop self reflection and the unwillingness to do the work to transform oneself. Pointing out one’s shortcomings can be painful and make one feel inadequate. Having a coach or skilful person to help work on weaknesses can be beneficial.
Awesome read!
I love these so much! I have printed them out and will use them in 1 on 1 with my team and my manager.
Thank you!
Great piece! I think the “always on” mentality + the digital revolution block reflection these days. I work in the leadership development space and it’s one the challenges I hear about time and time again. It’s easy to say that it’s not about having the time, but finding it and prioritizing (which is true) – but it’s easier said than done. I’d love to hear your suggestions for how to coach those who struggle to focus and slow down enough to reflect (myself included).