“Progress is impossible without change; and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”
What if the key to extraordinary leadership lies not in what we know, but in what we're willing to reconsider?
In my years as a coach, I've noticed something interesting: the most effective leaders are those who dare to question their own convictions. This willingness to "think again," a concept wisely explored by Adam Grant in his book of the same name, isn't just a characteristic of exceptional leadership; it's a skill that can be cultivated through emotional intelligence.
At the heart of this ability is the understanding that leadership is a journey of continuous learning. But here's the crucial part: this growth mindset isn't just about accumulating knowledge. It's about developing the emotional intelligence to apply that knowledge effectively, transforming information into impactful action.
The Never-Ending Classroom of Leadership
Recently, I was working with a CEO who prides himself on his decisive leadership style. "I don't have time for second-guessing," he told me. But as we dove a little deeper, we uncovered a blind spot. His quick decisions, while efficient, were often alienating his team. This discovery highlighted a critical point: our leadership beliefs, no matter how firmly held, deserve regular reevaluation.
The truth is, in our fast-paced world, standing still is often equivalent to moving backward. Continuous learning is essential for personal & professional growth.
But here's where emotional intelligence comes into play – it's not just about learning new facts or skills. It's about developing the self-awareness to recognize our knowledge gaps AND the adaptability to fill them.
So, how can we cultivate this habit of lifelong learning? Here are just a few strategies I recommend to get you started:
Dedicate daily time for reading & reflection through journaling
Ask for feedback from peers, mentors, & team members regularly
Engage with cross-functional projects when possible to broaden your perspectives
Remember, the goal isn't to know everything, but to remain curious & open to new ideas.
Daring to Doubt: The Courage of Self-Examination
Remember my client, the CEO who prided himself on his decisive leadership style? I’m glad to report his journey didn't end with the realization that his quick decisions were alienating his team. It was just the beginning.
When was the last time you challenged a core belief about your leadership style? As leaders, we must be willing to question and re-question our thoughts and beliefs regularly. This process, although at times uncomfortable, is essential for our own professional development and the success of our teams.
For my client, it meant reconsidering his long-held belief that efficient decision-making was the cornerstone of effective leadership. Through the process of rethinking, he came to realize that this belief was interfering with his ability to connect with his team, particularly the younger generation of employees who valued collaboration & inclusion in the decision-making process.
By challenging this long-held belief & developing his emotional intelligence, particularly in the areas of empathy & active listening, he was able to create a more engaged, productive work environment. His decisions became not just efficient, but also more inclusive & well-rounded.
Take a few moments and think about what it might look like for you to...
Regularly reflect to examine your decision-making processes?
Seek diverse perspectives, especially from those who disagree with you?
Play devil's advocate with your own ideas?
Encourage constructive dissent within your team?
Rethink, Grow, Lead
Rethinking is not an easy process. It requires commitment, courage, & a willingness to be vulnerable. But the rewards – more effectiveness, stronger teams, & personal growth – are immeasurable.
Remember, extraordinary leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about having the courage to question them.
As you step into your next leadership challenge, ask yourself: What can I rethink? What can I learn? How can I grow? Your willingness to engage with these questions may just be your greatest leadership asset.