Baby Steps

My objective with the smart, successful people who I am fortunate to coach is to help them become even more successful. To do this, I encourage them to cultivate awareness of the “sometimes” when their performance is sub-optimal. More specifically, I ask them to notice situations in which they might inadvertently:

• Push and intimidate rather than inspire and tap collective intelligence

• Damage trust rather than provide constructive feedback

• Silence themselves rather than share a concern in a high stakes meeting

• Discourage input rather than encourage and explore unconventional thinking

• Convey disinterest by attempting to multi-task rather than schedule time to be intentionally focused on an employee

When leaders notice the small things that can make a big difference, they have more freedom to choose how they want to show up. The changes that they want to make. The keys to being even more successful. Again, I think of this as a “sometimes” thing and not an “always” or “never”. Baby steps. Incremental change. Over time.

I often equate this behavioral change with going to the gym. If I want to build a specific muscle or develop more flexibility or improve my balance, I have to do the proper exercise on a consistent basis. Unlike these workout activities that often happen only at the gym, our efforts to grow awareness and shift behavior aren’t restricted to the office. We can become more aware of an emotional state or habit at home, at the grocery store, and at dinner with our in-laws; when we do, this greater self-awareness and courage to experiment travels with us to the office, the team meeting, the boardroom, and the client engagement.

I’m interested to hear your thoughts. Share a comment. And if you’re ready to engage, reach out.