To truly develop and nurture individuals within an organization, leaders must invest time and effort into understanding their people. Holistic understanding enables leaders to provide the necessary support and guidance for their employees’ growth and development.
In the world we live in today, continuous learning is more than ever our route to success and leadership, both in life and in work. Those with a fixed mindset are not just leading a dull life but are less likely to create a success of it and become fulfilled in their area. We are never too old or too young to learn new things and apply them.
Travelling directly from a morale boosting visit to Bakhmut on the front line to Washington to address Congress, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, shows that he understands what is means to be a true leader. Leaders show they care deeply about their people; they show up. Leaders create strong strategic partnerships, who believe in their vision and will support them through thick and thin.
OK, so I bought a Tesla. Your reaction will either be “Cool! An amazing car…which one have you got?” or “Yeah, well, I just don’t like Elon Musk, ok?” At least, those are the two reactions I’ve had so far. But let me tell you what it is about this car that’s different and better than anything I have ever driven.
I have friends who have done multiple Ironman, but I had convinced myself that it wasn’t for me. How on earth, at the age of 63, could I sea swim for almost 2km, then cycle for around four hours and then run a half marathon. Oh, and I had a replacement hip 6 years ago.
I revisited an iconic Apple advert from 1997, whose message about creativity in challenging the status quo spoke volumes about what it means to be a leader.
In December every year I look back to see what I’ve achieved, what I’ve learned, how my health and fitness is, how my relationships have developed and grown. When I’ve reviewed the previous year, I decide what my key goals, actions and targets will be for the next year.
Over the last 10 years I must have run at least 20 executive Retreats and they never fail to deliver. People come away having spent time thinking, reflecting and gaining perspective on their lives. They follow this with real change, not usually on the small things, but quite life changing things.
Change is a complicated beast; it’s all around us and yet we find it so hard to do in organisations. Why is this?
Developing your people will show you care, allow you to challenge and support them and ultimately grow them, you and your business. Never neglect your 1-2-1s; they are a key ingredient in your role as a leader.
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