Flexing Your Leadership Style

In the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program, I teach the module on leadership.  We use a styles inventory, which like so many of these tools offers a 2×2 square. These squares reduce all of the aspects of leadership styles can be reduced to four words.  Myers Briggs, Disc, Styles at Work, all have 4 basic style characteristics (Myers Briggs has 16 combinations).  These inventories are good for raising your awareness about your preferences, styles, and patterns. 

So…This is what I know.  We all have a style and preferences in how we show up and how we interact.  Most people don’t have a very high awareness level of their preferences or their patterns of behaving.  People are way too busy. They aren’t always paying attention to how they are interacting, their impact, and what is working and/or what isn’t.  I am all for using tools to support your awareness. This kind of awareness helps you make intentional decisions about how you show up and do what you do.

The message

My message today is that no matter your style, true self-mastery is about being able to flex your leadership style. Flexing your leadership style increases your presence in ways that make a difference.  I often ask myself, “what is needed now?”.  This question helps me see how I might intervene in ways that move the client’s learning along or inspire insights.  I find that group or individual coaching is a great way to become aware of your patterns and habits and behaviors in a safe and confidential environment. And awareness brings growth and change. 

Then you can start moving towards becoming your best self. Awareness allows you to bring your gifts and talents as a leader to the table without the baggage. Self-Mastery is an evolutionary process or practice. It happens over time with intentional actions and self-reflection. And it is worth the effort.  Join us this month, September 22, 2023 @ 7:30 pm ET, we will celebrate the Fall Equinox. Click here to register.