How are you showing up as a leader?

How you show up is how you are seen! And oftentimes, due to blind spots, we aren’t clear on how we are seen or perceived.

How can we be sure that we are seen as we intend to be seen? There are several ways to get clear on how others see us.

One of the most effective, yet possibly uncomfortable ways, that offers additional benefits, is to ask for specific feedback. And, when you do ask for feedback, be sure the individuals from whom you are seeking information know that you want them to provide you with honest feedback. Depending on their relationship to you, this can be difficult for them. Which is why, letting them know that by providing you with honest feedback, they are doing you a great service by helping you grow and improve. In addition to learning about how others “see” you and building your self-awareness, the process of asking for feedback also helps to improve relationships by opening up communication and building trust.

Another very helpful commitment is reflective practice. This was a tool I was encouraged to use when I was in my master’s program and training to become a mediator. It is truly a commitment, especially in our busy lives, and, it can teach us so much about ourselves. And, because being curious is a wonderful and helpful attribute to being a strong leader, getting curious about ourselves can help to sharpen this skill as well.

Why is it important to know not only how you’re showing up, but also how you are seen?

If we are striving to be our best, and are not fully clear on how others perceive us, it’s quite possible that we could be doing better. Additionally, as most of us are aware, the behavior we model is typically what we can expect others to follow. If you work in an organization that strives to have leaders who are performing and behaving at their best and aims to develop and unlock everyone’s full potential, getting in the habit of asking for feedback and committing to reflective practice is key – and provides a model for others to do the same. This not only will help the individual leaders, but it will also help to create an optimal culture, improved employee engagement and retention. If the behavior of leaders is not ideal, it will be challenging to create an engaging culture, build trust, and build respect. 

If you are a leader looking to become more effective and want to practice more than the above tips, I’d love to chat. Similarly, if you are looking to invest in the leaders in your organization, I’d be happy to connect to discuss if executive coaching might be an option. Please reach out.

“Vulnerability is about showing up and being seen. It’s tough to do that when we’re terrified about what people might see or think.” – Brené Brown