“You can practice shooting eight hours a day, but if your technique is wrong, then all you become is very good at shooting the wrong way. Get the fundamentals down and the level of everything you do will rise.” Michael Jordan

Practice makes perfect!  It’s an adage you’ve probably heard.  But the reality is that it’s not a 100% true statement.  Of course the more we practice something the more we have the potential for improving, but simply practicing doesn’t automatically lead to an improvement in performance.  If a soccer player practices their skills development poorly they will simply develop more poor habits.  In short, they will develop stronger poor habits which will have an impact upon game time performance.  The reality is that PERFECT practice makes PERFECT!!!

Evaluated Experience

We’ve all also heard that experience is the best teacher.  Like the previous statement pertaining to practice, this is not a 100% true statement.  Just because someone has an experience doesn’t automatically mean they have an improvement in their performance. In the words of John Maxwell “Experience teaches nothing, but evaluated experience teaches everything.”

To truly improve at something you must take the time to reflect upon the who, what, where, why, and how of whatever experience you have recently come through.  If you made a mistake in that last “leadership” opportunity and you don’t take the time to reflect upon the situation and evaluate how you could have done something different you will probably make the same mistake again.

More Than Head Knowledge

On an individual level, you must establish the systems that allow you to receive feedback on your performance.  It’s not enough to simply take a class, read a book, or listen to a podcast through which you gain a head knowledge about being a leader.  You must take what you’ve learned and apply it in your area of responsibility.  It’s only through the application of leadership principles and practices can an outcome be measured.

Can You Handle The Truth?

Additionally, as a leader you must seek feedback from others to gain an understanding of the impact you are making.  This means that you must intentionally seek feedback from mentors and coaches who can help you determine whether your “practice” is perfect or needs refining.  These need to be individuals who you do not have influence or control over.  To truly give you feedback, they need to be able to say what needs to be said without fear of any repercussions.  If you can impact their paycheck then there’s a strong possibility they won’t tell you what you need to hear.

Asking Downline

However, there’s also value in seeking feedback from those you lead as you strive to become a better leader.  Even if they may not give you the unvarnished truth about your performance, the feedback they give you can help you improve.  They may not give it to you straight, but they will probably say things that need to be said.  You just have to sort through what they are saying without them saying it clearly.

The value of asking those who follow you how you’re doing goes beyond simply improving your skills.  By seeking feedback from your followers and letting them speak without reprisal you experience the added benefit of showing your own vulnerability.  Your followers get to see you as human, and in doing so they may even be more inclined to give you a little grace when you make a mistake.

Authenticity Is King

People don’t want to follow someone who is always right.  They want a leader who is real and authentic.  You have probably worked for someone who is constantly right, and they actually make you feel inferior in some way or another.  Someone who leads with a high degree of authenticity will typically create an environment in which trust is high and the feelings of connectedness are palpable.

In a 2023 study conducted by Forbes, only 59% of surveyed employees believed that their leadership communicated with a high degree of integrity.  This same study revealed that 90% of “C-Suite” leaders believed they communicated with integrity (Employees Want Authenticity).  The gap between these two groups indicates a significant difference in what is being delivered compared to what is being received.  While one group may believe they are operating in a certain manner, if the receiving group does not view it equally then the net effect is driven by what is perceived.

Ask The Question

As you continually strive to improve your individual leadership, take the time to reflect upon your individual, and collective, experiences and ask yourself the following three question;

1.     What did I do wrong?

2.     What did I do right?

3.     What can I do different?

If you invest this kind of effort into reflecting upon your performance, the reality is that you will improve.  You will also find that, as you improve yourself, there will be a correlating increase in the influence you have with the people around you.

“What makes you wise is not what you learn, but what you practice. What makes you wealthy is not what you earn, but what you invest. So, invest in what to practice, and practice what to invest.” Michael Peshkam

#leadershipvoid #culturechief #itsnotaboutyou