Shed Your Excessive Need to Be You (Management Tips– #06-082916)

One of the worst habits a leader can have is excusing his behavior with claims like, “That’s just the way I am!” Stop clinging to bad behaviors because you believe they are essential to who you are. Instead of insisting that you cannot change, think about how these behaviors may be impeding the success of those around you. Do not think of these behaviors as character traits, but as possibilities for improvement. You will be surprised how easily you can change when it helps you succeed.

Be Open to Criticism

Constructive criticism is essential for creativity, innovation, and problem solving. Since leadership requires all three, leaders need to be sure not only that they are open to criticism, but also that they actively seek it out. Do not simply ask for general feedback but ask people—direct reports, peers, customers—to poke holes in your ideas and approaches. Critique can be a useful approach to test ideas and keep people and teams accountable.

Listen Better

For years, leadership experts have been encouraging managers to improve their listening skills. Good listening is not just about making the speaker feel respected and heard; it is also about making sure you understand what is truly said. Here are three tips for better listening:

• Think. Engage in the conversation by thinking ahead and anticipating what the speaker is going to say. Try to anticipate the conclusions. Do not just hear the words.

• Reviews, Pause briefly and mentally summarize the points.

• Listen. Watch nonverbal cues that could indicate what the speaker is not saying. What isn’t said is often as important as what is.

Schedule Regular Meetings with Yourself

As we continue venturing into uncharted economic waters, how can you keep your job on track and deliver your best? Schedule a weekly meeting with yourself. That’s right: no matter how busy you are, this is not a luxury. It’s essential.

Every week, take a quiet hour to reflect on recent critical events—conflicts, failures, opportunities you exploited, observations of others’ behavior, feedback from others. Consider how you responded, what went well, what didn’t, and what might be more effective in the future. Never cancel this meeting—it’s crucial.