Leading people has never been so challenging. In this time of extreme uncertainty, now more than ever is the time to find your authentic leadership style. Leadership coaching helps you align your values and beliefs to develop your natural style. Here are three things to consider:
1. Your purpose and values
Values, ethos, and morals are the foundation of leadership styles. These foundations can be built upon with concrete methods of development, all of which can be taught, provided you commit to self-reflection and honest self-critique. Like a muscle, leadership techniques need to be developed and worked on to grow and maintain the style of leadership that works for you. This can be daunting, however, there are materials and professional services readily available to be exploited, and catapult you to success.
Factors, including kindness, humility, and the skill of seriously listening to those around you, all determine your level of success as a leader. To neglect or overlook these key traits, or to deviate from your values for the sake of placation, is to be deficient.
2. Embrace what makes you unique
It is important to note that your personal leadership style will look different from others, as it is, naturally, personal to you. Duplicating or mimicking a successful leader and expecting it to work automatically for you will lead to disappointment, however, do not be afraid to learn and emulate the best bits from inspiring leaders, from Jacinda Arden to Greta Thunberg, and Malala Yousufzai to Sanna Marin.
What is it that we can learn from Arden and Thunberg, Yousufzai and Marin? What is it about them that makes them so inspiring and effective? A complete answer would fill volumes, however, put simply, it is their ability to stick to their principles while making real change. They have not sacrificed their humanity, and have not forsaken their values, but operate openly and thoughtfully. They do not bully or intimidate, but listen, learn, and lead. They are unafraid to display assertiveness while simultaneously demonstrating their compassion. Though they operate in politics and humanitarianism, their admirable attributes can be co-opted for business or any examples of leadership.
3. Develop a growth mindset
Through coaching and self-reflection, you can identify attributes that work for you, understand how to apply these to your personal leadership style, adapt these techniques, and adopt the key aspects that suit you.
Good leadership depends on context too. What are the challenges you face in life and business? Where have you come from, and what can your experiences teach you about the present? Answer these questions effectively, which requires introspection and thorough thought, and you will find yourself better prepared for any task at hand.
Coaching helps you develop your leadership qualities, and although there is no quick fix, if you are serious about developing and improving leadership qualities in yourself, don’t be afraid to take the first step.
Read here what coaching can do for you https://www.nextsteps.biz/how-i-use-coaching-to-support-clients/
Further reading: https://www.forbes.com/sites/womensmedia/2013/04/24/7-steps-to-a-truly-effective-leadership-style/#611f185d1ce5