The 10 Norms for a compassionate and innovative leadership mindset (Part 2)
This week is part 2 of my 10 norms for a compassionate and innovative leadership mindset.
Polished and definitive does not mean it is correct or best.
Ever been dazzled by a perfectly polished presentation, only to find it lacks substance? Yeah, me too. In today's whirlwind world, we leaders are constantly bombarded with "flawless" facades. But here's the truth: perfection is often a mirage. We've become lightning-fast critics, quick to point out every tiny crack. But what if those "cracks" are actually gateways to brilliance? What if that messy presentation or unpolished people hold the seeds of a game-changing idea or relationship? A leader with heart sees potential where others see problems. I've learned this the hard way – my biggest wins came from believing in people, even when they (and I!) were far from perfect. Let's ditch the judgment and start seeing the hidden gems.
Heads Up! Embrace the View
Remember when "stay in your lane" was the mantra? We've been conditioned to keep our noses to the grindstone, to avoid rocking the boat. But guess what? That's a recipe for stagnation and demise. I've heard the "we've always done it this way" line way too many times. It's a creativity killer! Real leaders encourage us to look up, to question, to challenge. They're the ones who say, "What if?" and "Let's try something different!" They know that the best ideas often come from the most unexpected places. They know that the best relationships are born from fire. And honestly, sometimes, you just need to appreciate the view and see where you can go next.
Get Curious!
We're all guilty of jumping to conclusions, it is a human condition. But here's a secret weapon: curiosity. It's like a superpower for leaders. It's easy to be curious about things we already know, but true magic happens when we dig into the unknown. Think about your last conflict – did you actually try to understand the other person's perspective? I'm not perfect, but I try to get beneath the surface, to find out what makes people tick. I give my team room to experiment, even if it means taking a few tumbles. I ask questions, I listen, I learn. And you know what? Curiosity attracts people and opportunities like a magnet. So, next time you're faced with a challenge, ask yourself: "What am I missing?"
Growth Happens Outside Your Comfort Zone
Let's be real: leadership is tough. And leading with heart? Even tougher. It's about letting go of control and trusting your team. It's about knowing your success is tied to theirs. It's about being okay with feeling uncomfortable. But here's the thing: discomfort is where the magic happens. It's where you learn, grow, and innovate. Redefine success: it's not just about hitting targets; it's about building lasting relationships, adapting to change, and creating something new. And yes, it can be lonely at times, but a compassionate leader builds a tribe of support. So, embrace the stress and anxiety, and watch your team (and yourself) soar.
Leading with the Heart: Empathy, Kindness, and Gratitude
This isn't a part-time gig; it's a way of life. It's about weaving empathy, kindness, and gratitude into every interaction, from your morning coffee to your evening email. It's about truly seeing people, understanding their struggles, and celebrating their wins. It's about creating a culture where people feel valued and appreciated. It's about leading with your heart, even when it's hard. Because at the end of the day, that's what truly makes a difference. Empathy, Kindness, and Gratitude are gifts leaders give themselves, it is fuel for the tough times, it is the foundation of success of your team.
In conclusion, these 10 norms have fostered a compassionate and innovative mindset within me, making me a better leader. They keep me focused on helping others succeed, and have fostered a more caring attitude that allows me to collaborate and innovate. You don't need to master every norm to become a better leader; choose one or two that match your skills and focus on those. Additionally, challenge yourself to try something new each week that enhances your compassion and innovation.
This weekend, I'll be meeting with five compassionate, innovative colleagues and fellow leaders who are dedicated to fostering success in others. Together, we will brainstorm ways to improve the work environment. Our challenge will be to develop leadership training that incorporates discomfort, provocation, caring, and collectivism. If we are successful, we may begin experimenting with and refining our approach out in the real world. Wish us luck!
