Let’s face it, the thing that keeps us corporate trainers in business is the fact that most leaders and managers don’t get the whole self awareness thing; the lack of it and the impact of that on the culture of their team, department or organisation.
People’s favourite sport at work is BOSS WATCHING
And this post is a great way to build awareness for most leaders about what folks are watching out for.
I would bet a hundred dollars you’ve worked with a boss who left you low on moral, motivation and moxie just by how they reacted to you at critical times in your relationship – performance management conversations, when the shit hits the fan or when resources are slim, for example.
Most people in positions of leadership and management found their way there after proving valuable technical skills earlier on in their career. They got promoted and maybe didn’t get trained in their new role, or didn’t think they needed it.
Either way, self awareness is the first step on the path to great leadership and the soft skills that this brings makes all the differences in how they lead and manage others.
How to facilitate this flip chart
I reveal the top half of this flip chart and call for responses to the question ‘why should someone be led by you’.
I usually get answers like
- I am decisive
- I am experienced
- I am a team player
- I’m good with numbers
- I know the market
After a while, when I sense they are running out of suggestions, I reveal the bottom half of the flip chart and that gets them thinking a little deeper about the impact they have on people.
At this stage I usually write up their responses and get things like:
- Good team player
- Firm but fair
- Easy going
- Trustable
- Motivating
- Demonstrate empathy
etc…
It’s a great lead in to a session on leadership and emotional intelligence and any personal development topic because the participants are able to see clearly how most all of the skills written up there are soft skills, not technical skills.
What approach would you take delivering this flip chart?
