Hello friend!
Lately, I've been reflecting on my past mistakes, and I must admit, I've made quite a few. However, rather than dwelling on them, I've realized that they've actually played a pivotal role in shaping me into the leader I am today. I learned a lot from these experiences that I wouldn't have learned otherwise.
While I can't change the past, I've learned to use these lessons to guide my future actions. By reframing my thinking and applying the knowledge I've gained, I've grown into a better leader.
Let me reveal my top three leadership mistakes to you. Buckle up and get ready to learn!
#1) Relying on hearsay and not going directly to the person to address any issues or concerns.
Before, I didn't give people a fair chance and made conclusions based on others' opinions.
Humans tend to invent stories when they don't have all the information.
As a leader, it's important to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and safe. In case someone shares a story that may not be entirely accurate, I should ask if they would like to discuss it with the person concerned before jumping to conclusions. It is very important to gather information before making any judgments and decisions.
#2) Revealing too much information to my direct reports.
As their leader and direct supervisor, they look up to me for guidance and support, not the other way around.
Since then, I've realized the importance of setting boundaries and being an authentic leader. Brene Brown's book, Dare to Lead, opened my eyes to the fact that it's crucial to keep confidential information to myself and respect others' privacy. As Brown put it, "You don’t share information or experiences that are not yours to share. I need to know that my confidences are kept, and that you’re not sharing with me any information about other people that should be confidential." I now practice this wisdom in both my personal and professional life.
I also have a close-knit circle of people outside of work whom I can confide in regarding my emotions and experiences.
#3) Exhibiting negative reactions during times of stress.
When facing stress, it's easy to let our emotions take over.
Brene Brown's take on calm is spot on: "Calm is a perspective and mindfulness amid emotional reactivity." As Brene Brown puts it, calm is a state of mindfulness and emotional balance that enables us to respond thoughtfully. This is a powerful trait of a great leader, as it allows us to avoid overreacting or under-functioning. Instead of impulsively reacting, taking a moment to count to ten can help us respond in a more effective and constructive way.
In conclusion, reflecting on my past mistakes was a painful process, but it ultimately led to personal growth and positive change. By learning from my mistakes and applying those lessons to my future actions, I became a better leader, colleague, and friend.
My friend -- if you've made mistakes as a leader, it's a chance to learn and grow. Do not give up. Remember to get information directly, set boundaries, and stay calm during stress. By changing how we think and staying mindful, we can be better leaders - fair, authentic, and effective.
After all, you're only human.
To close, I'd like to share a quote from Brene that deeply resonates with me, and I hope it does with you too:
I am cheering you on,
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