The No-Excuses Leadership Learning Strategy

by Kevin Eikenberry

Leading effectively is a complex mix of skills and behaviours that don’t all come naturally and can’t be mastered quickly (if ever). Puting it simply, to be a great leader, you must be a continual learner. That's easy to say. It's easy to believe. But how do you do it?

The cornerstone of leadership development 

The cornerstone for personal leadership development needs to include the perspectives of those you impact, influence, and lead. Very few leaders can clearly define what is holding them back from greater performance. They are either too close to the problem, aren't sure what they need to improve on most - or aren't even thinking about it at all! The best way to get those perspectives and the best place to start is through a 360 assessment. Done well, they are the best place to begin.
A 360 assessment provides you anonymous feedback from your boss, your peers and those you lead - truly a 360 degree view of your capacity, skills, behaviours and habits. When you couple your assessment with skilled coaching - to both help you understand the results and, more importantly, to help you build an action plan for your ongoing improvement - you have the ultimate performance enhancer.
Yet sometimes leaders aren't able or don't want to start there. It could be that their organisation doesn't support them, they don't yet have enough leadership experience / exposure to get the needed feedback, or they don't have the resources to complete one.
If this applies to you, use the strategies below that you can implement today. All you need to do is decide and take disciplined action.

Five steps to leader learning

1. Just keep learning
   
   It sounds simple because it is. Look for opportunities to practice your leadership skills (at work or otherwise). Look for situations to practice life skills that apply to your role as a leader. Watch other leaders and think about what they are doing great - and not-so-great (there is learning in both). The opportunities to learn are endless if you open your eyes and mind and start doing it.
   
2. Self-assess
   
   Close the door, turn off the computer and sit down with a notepad and a pen. Spend some time thinking about how you feel about your ability in the various skills needed to lead. If you need a jumpstart, use your organisations' list of leadership characteristics (if it exists) or start with this list as a guide: 
   
   
   • Champions change
     
   • Communicates powerfully
     
   • Develops others
     
   • Builds relationships
     
   • Focuses on customers
     
   • Influences with impact
     
   • Thinks innovatively
     
   • Values collaboration and teamwork
     
   • Solves problems and makes decisions
     
   • Takes responsibility and accountability
     
   • Manages projects and processes successfully
     
   • Sets goals and supports goal setting
     
   • Learns continuously
   
   Be honest with yourself both on your weaknesses and strengths. Write down your personal assessment as a part of building your plan.
   
3. Work on things you love
   
   What? Shouldn't we immediately work on the things we aren't so good at? While you must recognise and work on weaknesses (not to do so is called denial), you must also work on strengths. Think about the things you enjoy or already excel at. Ask yourself how you can get 5% better at those things? The answers to that question (and the actions you take as a result) are an important part of your learning and development strategy.
   
4. Find a mentor
   
   The self-made person is a myth. Even if you could do it alone - why would you want to? Having a mentor will give you new perspectives, fresh advice and will speed your development. This is a great return on some time and a few cups of coffee. Find someone who has perspectives and skills you don't have and humbly ask for their help. Chances are, they will say yes.
   
5. Avoid comparisons
   
   While easier said than done, this is critically important. We tend to draw comparisons between our weaknesses and the great strengths of others (which we naturally admire). While you should observe and try to learn from others, don't compare yourself in a way that discourages you or to try to imitate. You are you, and no one will lead exactly as you do - and that is a good thing.

There are hundreds of tools, tactics and to-dos you could employ. Having said that, this is a great place to start because anyone can do these and they require very little economic investment. Not only does this strategy remove the excuses, but it sets the table for any other tools you might apply later.
When you consider the benefits of becoming a more effective and confident leader, it will be worth the effort. You are worth the effort.



Source: http://www.iidmglobal.com