Thank you for listening to The Champion Forum Podcast with Jeff Hancher! This week we are taking another look at some of the key problems the leaders I work with have been facing. You’ll get the same practical answers my coaching clients get on topics like hiring, dealing with conflict at work, and having the right mindset as a leader.
1. Never look past a problem, even if it is uncomfortable.
Ignoring a problem and hoping it goes away is never a good strategy! When you fail to take action on problems within your team, you are sending a clear message to your team members that you don’t think there is a real problem. This could quickly damage your reputation. You need to handle every issue with candor and empathy.
Q: Describe a time when you had to address an uncomfortable issue at work or in your personal life? How did you get over feeling uncomfortable? Have you ever worked for a leader who refused to address difficult situations? How did that affect the way you and other employees viewed that leader?
2. Embrace your weaknesses and use them to your advantage.
When you understand your weaknesses, you can surround yourself with people who are strong in those areas. When you do, you will save time, money, and hassle. Instead of avoiding the problems, make sure you have the right skills and the right team members to cover the gaps.
Q: Do you know what your weaknesses are? How have you dealt with your weaknesses in the past? Why do you think leaders can be reluctant to admit their weaknesses?
3. Adversity is a constant reality in leadership.
Leadership is uphill! Every leader is going to go through tough times. Even the most effective leaders with the best teams and excellent working conditions will face some tough days. If you let adversity get to you, it will destroy your effectiveness. Instead, look at adversity as an opportunity. See the pressure you face as a privilege! This will help you innovate new solutions and make the most of the situation.
Q: Have you ever wanted to quit on your leadership journey? Why or why not? How do you combat negative mindsets when they come up? What can you do to be more aware of negative mindsets so that you can address them?
Application Activities:
Are there any problems in your life that you have not addressed? Don’t limit yourself to problems at work; consider problems with your family or personal life as well. Write down some of the effects the problem is having on you. How is it affecting those around you? Once you have a picture of the problem, write down what your life would be like if you addressed it. Let the frustration you feel drive you to overcome your fear of being uncomfortable and address it!
Make a list of your strengths and weaknesses and the strengths and weaknesses of everyone on your team. Then, compare the lists. Do you have a person who can cover your weaknesses? Is there someone on the team who covers their weaknesses? If you notice there is a gap, consider whether someone can be trained in that area or if you should make sure your next hire can cover those gaps.
Do you have a growth mindset or a fixed mindset? A growth mindset means that you believe that you are capable of changing, adapting, and improving yourself. Having a growth mindset will help you keep adversity in perspective and maintain your confidence as you deal with the issue. If you’re not sure, start with this free quiz. You could even print it out and have your team take the quiz as well!
Commentaires