Executive Development
Through our more than 20 years in leadership development, we have learned that what distinguishes the outstanding leaders - the ones who are conscious of their own behavior and the impact they have on the people around them. It is these leaders who create safety and who, in turn, inspire followers to dig deep and commit to the cause, the ones whose people are able to say, "I'd go to hell and back for my boss" - always comes back to nine specific behaviors.
These 9 Behaviors of Conscious Leadership Make Up the Content of Our Leadership Programs:
1. Be Overwhelmingly Honest
Leaders think they're overwhelmingly honest, but many followers say otherwise.
2. Gather Intelligence
In surveys, 95% of leaders were unable to give themselves the highest rating at demonstrating an understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses. Asking others for their opinions about something conveys respect and shows that they are valued.
3. Be Composed
Effective and admirable leadership require composure. Challenges, stressors, and obstacles are inherent in any organization and in any leader's path; how leaders conduct themselves during the good times and the bad can be indicative of their character, competence, and ultimately, credibility.
4. Let the Guard Down
Great leaders are authentic, personal and transparent to those around them. They possess credibility.
5. Keep Promises
When leaders match their words and actions and do what they say they will do, they place a high value on their commitments.
How leaders handle mistakes actually may be more important than getting things right the first time. Even with its inherent risks-such as appearing weak, incompetent, or otherwise less than perfect-confessing mistakes signals courage, accountability, and humility. Indeed, mistakes are an opportunity to visibly demonstrate a commitment to honesty.
7. Deliver Bad News Well
Delivering bad news can be tricky business, yet doing it well is essential. When sensitive, controversial, or potentially hurtful information is not delivered well, people can feel betrayed, angry, and indignant.
8. Avoid Destructive Comments
In developmental assessments, 88% of leaders admitted they could improve in avoiding destructive comments, and 83% of their bosses agreed. Language that divides or is otherwise destructive can undermine the whole reasoning behind leadership transparency-to improve relationships, increase trust, and build a credible reputation. Leaders must model and reward language that does not employ inappropriate blame or criticism, us-versus-them attitudes, or talking down.
9. Showing Others That You Care
In order for leaders to be successful at influencing and motivating people, their followers must have a solid answer to the question: Do you care about me? Leaders must visibly show their followers that, yes, they do care, and this is done by developing the followers, recognizing them, and seeking to know and understand them. While showing value for employees has lasting, bottom-line benefits in morale, quality, and productivity, a leader should not be motivated to demonstrate care and value for the organization's benefit alone.
The Payoffs
What people expect from leaders is usually rooted in the basic interpersonal operation of the leader-follower relationship, where personal connections are made through trust, reliability, care, and appreciation.
