Stop Being The Problem

Let’s start by saying the names and professions in the following story have been changed to protect those involved, but we felt it was an important topic to address. Leaders often hold others to high standards, expecting flawless performance and unwavering dedication. However, driven Type-A personalities can sometimes overlook their own flaws, failing to apply the same level of scrutiny to their actions. According to a study by Harvard Business Review, self-aware leaders are more effective, as acknowledging and addressing personal shortcomings is crucial for true leadership growth.

In a recent conversation with a friend, she shared a surprising revelation about her boss, someone she had long admired. "I always respected Dr. Murphy,” she began, shaking her head in disbelief. "I first saw him speak at a conference, and he was phenomenal. He commanded the room with such confidence and expertise. I felt lucky to have the opportunity to work for him.”

But as months passed, the admiration started to fade. "It's been shocking," she continued. “While he has an Einstein-like grasp of the subject matter we are working on in artificial intelligence, he leaves things until the last minute, and he’s constantly expressing negativity towards others. His own team has to beg him to finish tasks that everyone is waiting on. Instead of taking responsibility, he blames others for what are clearly his own shortcomings. And he has a 'woe is me' attitude he’s adopted—it’s really disappointing."

My friend sighed, her voice tinged with frustration and sadness. "It's just so disheartening. I had such high hopes for this venture. And I don’t see a path to success. He seemed like someone who had everything together, a true leader. But now, it's hard to reconcile that image with the reality of working under him.”

People like Dr. Murphy often rise due to their ability to project confidence and competence in public settings, such as conferences or meetings. Project is the operative word here. They can effectively present their ideas and expertise, making a strong initial impression. Their charisma and outward success can overshadow their organizational shortcomings and interpersonal flaws. Additionally, their achievements and credentials, which may have come from a support team they had, may lead others to overlook or excuse problematic behaviors, attributing them to the pressures of high-level responsibilities rather than personal shortcomings.

Entrepreneurs, who may even begin to recognize themselves in this description, should take a moment to reflect on their actions and behaviors. It's essential to understand that true leadership goes beyond public perception and accolades; it involves consistent accountability, effective communication, and genuine empathy towards others. Acknowledging your flaws and working on them not only improves your leadership skills but also fosters a healthier, more productive work environment. Taking responsibility for your actions and making a conscious effort to improve can transform you into the leader you aspire to be, earning the genuine respect and admiration of those around you.

So today, we’re heading into a moment of deep reflection. It’s not easy, but like many negative traits, being able to "be the change you want others to see" is the first step in a personal revolution. And it can be done. It just takes a lot of self-reevaluation.

Here are 5 guidelines to follow after you realize you may need to improve:

Accountability Leads to Growth & It Starts With You

Accepting responsibility for your actions allows you to identify areas for improvement, fostering personal and professional growth. Self-awareness is key. Understanding your behavior and its impact on others is crucial for self-improvement and leadership and it inspires others to follow suit.
Break down tasks into manageable steps and prioritize them to avoid last-minute rushes. Recognize that your current habits are holding you back from achieving your true potential, and prioritizing tasks can help you regain control and efficiency.

Improved Relationships are Fostered by Empathetic Leadership

Recognizing your role in conflicts can help repair and strengthen relationships with colleagues, friends, and family. A greater degree of empathy rebuilds connections. Realizing your faults helps you develop empathy, which is vital for connecting with and leading others effectively and teaching others to do the same.
Establish a daily routine that includes time for planning, execution, and review of tasks. Understand that a consistent routine can drastically improve your productivity and reduce stress, enabling you to meet your goals more effectively.

Increased Trust and Respect Come From Setting An Example

Demonstrating accountability and reliability earns the trust and respect of those around you, essential qualities for a leader. Consistency is crucial for any business. Being dependable and consistent in your actions builds a strong foundation for leadership. To lead by example means to guide others through your behavior instead of your words.
Spend a few minutes each day reflecting on your actions and their impact on others. Accept that honest self-reflection is crucial for personal growth and better leadership, helping you identify and correct detrimental behaviors.

Enhanced Productivity Is Everyone’s Job

Addressing procrastination and follow-through issues leads to better time management and increased productivity. You need to foster a growth mindset in yourself to inspire others. Adopting a growth mindset allows you to view challenges as opportunities for learning and development. Here, leaning on others is a great way to see what we most need for ourselves. Listen.
Regularly ask for feedback from peers and mentors to gain insights into areas where you can improve. Really, really listen. Acknowledge that feedback is a valuable tool for improvement and embracing it can lead to significant advancements in your personal and professional lives. Allow for experimentation by trying new things you haven’t done before, be it a new routine, a focus on wellness, or a new system for scheduling and reviewing your days.

Positive Team Dynamics Boost Morale

When you stop being the problem, it creates a more harmonious and effective working environment, benefiting the entire team. Leading by example means setting an example. As a leader, your behavior sets the tone for others. It inspires others to do the same.
Take ownership of your mistakes and make a conscious effort to correct them, demonstrating your commitment to improvement. Realize that accountability is a hallmark of true leadership, and owning your actions can transform your relationships and effectiveness as a leader.

Highly driven leaders often push their teams hard, demanding excellence and efficiency at every turn. However, the most successful leaders also recognize the need to be equally critical of their own behaviors and shortcomings. A report from the Center for Creative Leadership found that leaders who prioritize self-improvement and personal accountability significantly enhance their leadership capabilities and team performance.

Transforming from a reactive, last-minute problem-maker into a proactive, respected leader is not only possible but also deeply rewarding. As famed management consultant Peter Drucker once said, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." This transformation begins with acknowledging your shortcomings and committing to personal growth.

Numerous leaders have successfully turned their professional lives around by embracing these changes. "I used to think my charisma was enough," says Jane Miller, CEO of a thriving tech startup. "It wasn't until I started prioritizing tasks and seeking regular feedback that I saw real improvements in my team's performance and my own satisfaction." Similarly, Mark Sanchez, a senior project manager, shares, "Embracing accountability and setting a daily routine were game-changers for me. My colleagues now see me as a reliable and effective leader, something I never thought possible."

Your journey to becoming the leader you aspire to be starts with these small but significant steps. By committing to these changes, you not only enhance your own capabilities but also inspire those around you, creating a positive ripple effect in your professional environment.

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