As leaders we must always be pursuing new avenues that can improve or enhance our overall leadership influence. In today’s global economy, we must continually transform our own leadership effectiveness, the performance of our people, and the overall productivity of our organization.
Leader behaviour is the singular most important skill that we must be constantly aware of and continuously developing in order to be effective. What’s more, when it comes to workplace behaviour we are all leaders because it is through our own personal behaviour competency that we influence others. So whether you are in a formal role of leader or not, you are always an influential leader.
Do you know what behaviours you display on a daily basis? Are your behaviour habits bringing you closer to achieving higher levels of performance necessary to make a significant difference in the lives of other people? Is your behaviour impelling the people you lead and those around you to achieve peak performance? For a true reflection of how well you’re doing as a leader, you have to have the courage to ask your followers and your peers these questions.
The questions we ask must be simple and clear, and solicited in an environment of trust and safety. These six simple questions create a good starting point for leader influence:
1. Do I clearly communicate a vision for our team/organization?
2. Do I treat people with courtesy and respect?
3. Do I solicit contrary opinions to my ideas and directives?
4. Do I encourage people to share ideas?
5. Do I actively listen to people in meetings?
6. Do I give people the impression that I am accessible and approachable?
Asking these questions shows your people and colleagues that you are committed to self-examination and self-improvement in key behaviours that drive performance and productivity. Do you have the courage to ask your followers and peers these questions? At the very least, why not begin with asking yourself? … and then when your ready, make the journey gentle and easy by learning the skill of Positive Presence.
