I ask all my clients this. And to my husband’s joy, I ask him too. Now he’s Dutch, so he pronounces joy with a funny accent, so it sounds like “annoyance.”
Potato potahto.
I’m aware that it’s actually quite a challenging question. Not intentionally, but it’s a question we mostly feel like we should have an answer to, and most of us don’t really have an answer.
So I thought I’d put my answers out there.
Why?
- to show that the answer doesn’t have to be complete, just something you are working on.
- to show that I’m doing the work too. To respond to the challenging question too. Because I’m in this with you.
This is the leader I want to be
I want to be a presence that calms and inspires.
That lets you know that we can figure this out, get shit done, and make a change for the better.
And also has space and compassion for those “It’s all gone wrong” days. Those “I can’t figure it out” days. Those days when we just need some kindness, when we don’t have to perform. And it’s still all ok.
I want you to know I do have a vision or direction of where we are going. And sometimes I don’t. But I’ll always have principles that guide me and help us figure it out.
I want to work it out together with you.
And yes, sometimes I think I have the right answer (of course I do, I’m opinionated), but I am always willing to be corrected. Please, for the love of god, don’t let me stumble or go the wrong way without speaking up. I want your help.
And when I’m wrong, tell me, even if I don’t think I’m wrong. I will think about what you’ve said. I will examine your point of view etc. I will make all efforts to see what you see.
It might just take me a few days sometimes to get there.
To laugh, be silly, be serious, and do what’s needed in whatever way.
To have strong opinions yet hold them lightly.
To be fierce yet warm.
To create space for you to be yourself too.
To include, appreciate, acknowledge, and encourage, you
To question, discuss, and course correct with you.
That’s the kind of leader I want to be.
And I’m being it more often than before.
What kind of leader do you want to be?
This post is part of my special Coaching Tips Series. This series was inspired by my clients and the core themes in their challenges. When we can apply these tips, we bring a lot of ease into our lives and step into our leadership. Want to talk it through with me? Call me and let’s make a Game Plan together.