By
I learned something important this week.
I was deciding about next steps for my business, Goodburn Profit Systems. I did my research and then went to my team for their input. So far so good. But…I ran into a barrier created wholly by me.
Here’s what I think should have happened. I should have approached it openly and objectively as a leader in my own business. There was no reason for my personal agendas to come into play in the conversations I had. I simply needed another set of eyes on what I was thinking in case I had missed something important. I should have been ready to embrace different opinions in that light, because that is what leaders do.
Here is what happened instead. I let my own need for external validation creep in unnoticed. Now I had a problem. Instead of looking for honest input, I was only going to be satisfied with complete agreement, which is not realistic, or even healthy, in a well-functioning team. When my partner did not agree with me, I resorted to defending my ideas. Now I was arguing instead of listening. I was protecting my own opinion instead of embracing the diversity of perspectives within our team.
It is humbling to own my mistakes, but the increase in awareness is well worth it.
Next time I will take a different approach. I will exercise my growing self-reliance, leadership abilities, and communication skills. I will focus on listening before speaking. I will carefully consider all input, especially opinions that differ from mine. Then I will make the decision and move forward in the confidence of a job well-done.
