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Motivating others is a critical task for leaders in any organization. However, according to authors Doug Lennick and Chuck Wachendorfer, leaders often hinder their effectiveness by engaging in ingrained habits. They point out four common habits that can impede a team's results.
The first habit is being emotionally reflexive. Emotions are powerful and can stimulate action, but they should not dictate our behavior. Instead of reacting impulsively based on our emotions, we should strive to be emotionally reflective. This means taking a step back, considering our options, and making thoughtful choices.
The second habit is not defining our ideal self. Many leaders claim to be values-oriented, but they often struggle to articulate what their values truly are. To make better choices, we need to have a clear understanding of our ideal self. This involves examining our values, beliefs, and aspirations, and identifying who we want to become.
The third habit is lacking self-awareness. Living by our values requires self-awareness, yet many leaders neglect this important tool. To cultivate self-awareness, we can practice the "freeze game." This involves pausing throughout the day, reflecting on our thoughts, emotions, and actions, and comparing them to our ideal selves. This helps us identify any behavior patterns that may no longer serve us and make conscious choices to change them.
The fourth habit is not having self-empathy. Empathy is crucial for effective leadership, as it allows us to understand and support others. However, empathy starts with recognizing and understanding our own emotions. If we neglect our own well-being, we will struggle to empathize with others. Taking care of ourselves enables us to better attend to the needs of others.
By being aware of these habits and actively working to overcome them, leaders can enhance their impact and create a more positive and productive work environment. It all starts with paying attention to ourselves and striving to do the right thing.