Announce Your Change

One of the greatest obstacles a leader can face in becoming the leader they want to be is the leader that that they have been. We all have our own leadership blind spots and weaknesses. The best leaders are not just simply aware of them, but they make sure that their teams are aware of those blindspots as well. The truly great leader will even enlist their teams help in managing those blind spots.

Good leaders change and adapt, but often forget to tell anyone.

Great leaders not only change and adapt, but take the extra step in sharing their intentions with their team.

For example, if you have struggled in the past with your follow-up on agreed action items, you may privately get fed up and put some new organization practices in place in order to help you to execute better. That's a good step. Over time, your team may take notice of this and you will eventually tip the scales of their beliefs about your execution.

Imagine your teams response though if you publicly announce that change and own it. Imagine if by way of e-mail, conference call, or meeting, you:

publicly acknowledge your struggle

share your plan of attack to be better

encourage their feedback/accountability

commit to ask for feedback in 30 days to see if there has been improvement

By doing this, you are greatly increasing your odds of self-improvement. On top of that, you are promoting an environment of proactivity, personal ownership & accountability, and teamwork all at the same time.

If you have plans to make some changes at the start of the new year - GREAT! Take the next step as well and make it public with your team. Good luck!