Nothing energizes me more than an executive (or anyone in a leadership role, for that matter) who recognizes that they don’t know it all and still have room to grow. I thoroughly enjoy observing the “aha” moments, helping my client develop actions plans for progress and hearing about the successful execution of something we’ve discussed or planned together.
One of the most common “aha” moments I get to experience with my clients is when they make the breakthrough on building a truly effective connection with their peeps.
I was once asked if being the only woman on the executive team of the company I was with at the time was intimidating. I said no. My male counterparts, the board, nor the CEO intimidated me. The people who intimidated me were my employees!
I realized early on that my employees had the power to make or break me as a leader, through their knowledge, their performance and their relationships with others. How effective I was directly related to how effective my employees were. That’s intimidating! So, I learned that taking care of my peeps, connecting with them personally, understanding their needs and removing their barriers to success, was the most important job I had. The intimidation factor kept me on my toes!
But my success as a leader was not an overnight sensation. I had to intentionally and continually focus on my own development in order to ensure theirs. Was I successful? Yes! I know this because my employees were successful and, I am proud to say, still are!
Do I now know everything I need to know as a leader? Not at all! I still intentionally and continually learn and grow every day, through reading, doing and working with other leaders who have also recognized that they still have room to grow. I love it when that happens!
By learning you will teach, by teaching you will learn. -Latin Proverb