The Problem:
You are in a position of leadership, or are a member of a team, and find yourself wondering just how you can contribute to the success of those around you; how you can contribute to higher levels of performance. Of course this may not be a ‘problem situation’ but could simply be about how to help those around you / your team ‘get to the next level’.
The Solution:
I recently heard the President of a large international Institution describe his leadership mission as ‘being a catalyst for other people’s success’. It was a clear, concise and measurable mission statement. It is a mission statement that should resonate with every leader or person wishing the best for his / her colleagues.
Whilst I am sure most leaders would readily acknowledge this statement as something central to their intent, the reality is that daily pressures and distractions often obscure such intent. The focus shifts to self rather than being a catalyst for the success of others.
So, take 20 minutes to do this exercise:
- Make a list of those who you would like to see succeed (for whatever reason and in whatever capacity).
- List one thing that you can do that might help enable them or propel them towards that success. This could be some form of encouragement, asking a question, finding a way to practically support them, sending them a book or helpful resource, introducing them to someone well positioned to help them, being a good listener etc…
- Set a date / time by which you need to get whatever you have listed done.
- Ask yourself if there might be a ‘further step’ (beyond the one you have identified) to help ensure that your action doesn’t become a ‘once-off’ initiative but becomes something of a habit / process.
All might seem so obvious but, as a team leader, are you consistently thinking of ways whereby you can ensure the success of those around you / your team? Make it a habit to ask yourself every day, ‘how can I today be a catalyst for the success of others?
I think a kind of ‘magic’ will begin to unfold. Over time it might well be something that becomes more obvious to others (rather than something you are aware of) as it becomes a seamless habit at the core of your leadership practice.
The world needs a new leadership response to a global context of change, complexity and uncertainty. Leadership expert (and author of today’s Tuesday Tip), Keith Coats is passionate about helping audiences around the world to understand what this response looks like and to equip leaders with the tools needed to respond to this changing context.
Keith’s research and global experience of over 20 years has helped him identify the key-defining factors of a successful leader in the 21st century as the ability to learn, grow and be adaptable. It is his great privilege to help leaders access new frameworks and thinking in order to successfully lead into the future. Chat with us if you’d like to explore how he could help your team prepare for the future.