Getting Better, It Is Our Responsibility

I have written several short articles recently about the importance of being a good communicator and developing strong relationships with our colleagues, relationships which are founded on respect and trust. Our effectiveness as a leader depends on this. I have been thrilled with how many people have emailed or called to say that they totally agree.

That said, several commented on the person in a senior position in the most recent article who said that he knows he is not a good communicator and accepts that is just the way he is. They ask how does he continue to hold a senior position, which requires robust leadership? Though he currently maintains his senior position, morale is damaged, turnover can occur, and results ultimately suffer.

I am afraid this person does not understand and accept that we all must continually try to become better, better than we were before, and work to become the best we can be.

Working to improve need not be a major effort, that is if we are humble and know that we all have areas of potential improvement, each and every one of us.

If we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and tell selected colleagues that we want to continually improve, to be an effective leader, and ask them to give us their honest and timely feedback, they will admire and respect us. If they know we will be appreciative of their feedback, they will be comfortable sharing their perceptions with us.

I love the saying “Leaders make things better” – and that includes making ourselves better.

A particularly effective way to learn and grow is to have a 360 leadership assessment. I definitely favor the facilitator speaking directly with the colleagues rather than online questions. Either way, it is anonymous. The areas for improvement are usually not surprises and are long-term habits, not easy to change, and it takes time. Ongoing coaching definitely helps.

Actually, there may be a surprise(s) at the perceptions of our colleagues. Many of us may have a blind spot(s). I did when I had an assessment of my leadership.

A great many successful people in business now seek out leadership assessments, and this trend continues to grow.

Whatever our approach(es) to continue to grow and improve in our work, leadership, communication, and relationships, know that feedback from our colleagues is invaluable. It helps us immeasurably.

Let’s all have the humility to understand that striving for improvement is our path to success.