One Can Be A Lonely Number

I love working with high-achieving leaders – their drive and passion can be unstoppable! The funny thing is “unstoppable” doesn’t always mean it’s in a good way.

That’s why it’s important to actually stop … and really take the time to explore and reflect on who you are, what’s important in your life, and what you want to do with those insights. This is the first element when you SET Your Path – Strengthen Your Core – that we’ve been sharing in our last few blogs. (So, if you haven’t had a chance, check them out.)

You’ve successfully walked this path when you believe in yourself enough to know what’s worth your time, talents and energy. For leaders who truly want to make a positive impact, the next critical part of the leadership journey is to Expand Your Influence.

Now, slow down all of you Type As – this is not simply where you tell everyone what you think, convince them that your way is the right (or only) way and “take charge” of it all. This element of the path requires that you invite others into your life – whether that be at work or play. It’s actually more about deeply listening to others, appreciating their perspectives and sharing yours too. It’s about getting comfortable with healthy conflict – all for the sake of creating something better.

That last line bears repeating … so please read it again.

So, when it comes right down to it, it isn’t about your specific ideas at all; rather, it’s about your willingness to share your own flaws and challenges … to stay curious and avoid judgement … to build meaningful relationships … to be inspiring and to be inspired, too.

The result is growth – for everyone. New ideas are sparked, creativity comes alive, a team-above-self environment develops. Now, THAT’s an “unstoppable” that brilliant leaders crave.

This Week: Your challenge is to really notice how you are showing up when you are with others – both when it’s just one other and when it’s a group. Are you expanding your influence or simply exerting your opinions? When are you a catalyst for growing others versus solely managing the deliverables?

In Next Week’s Post, we’ll share the first step that YOU need to take to Expand Your Influence.