When the evil queen asks the mirror who is the fairest of them all, the mirror cannot lie, and the answer is Snow White. Instead of self-reflection and a plan for self-improvement, the Queen decides to feed Snow White a poison apple.
And the queen is not alone. Many of today’s business leaders also fall prey to giving out poison apples in the form complaining, criticizing, condemning, resentment, resistance, revenge and sarcasm.
So how do you know if you’re the one poisoning the workplace? Consider having your leadership team, including yourself, try this self-awareness exercise. Start with abstaining from complaining, criticizing or condemning for 90 days. Doing so is a brutally honest yet fair self-assessment as to where you stand as a leader.
When the going gets tough, recognize that knowing your strengths and weaknesses is critical because poor management is the number one reason why people leave their jobs. Poor management can have a crippling effect on employee morale and profitability, and is also a root cause of a dysfunctional team.
What You Will See
To many, proposing this exercise is met with remarks like “No Way,” “I can’t,” or “I won’t make the 90 days. I wouldn’t make the first hour.” But if you are really serious about your career as a leader, it’s worth doing. Over the next 90 days, notice how challenging it is to abstain from the 3 Cs.
Look around. How often do you hear people complaining? Notice what that looks and sound like. How does it feel to be in the presence of complainers? Does it look professional? Do you want to look and sound that way?
Also look inward. Notice how often you participate in the seven deadly poisons. Notice how often you allow yourself to get sucked in. It adds up quickly, and likely, you will clean up your act quickly.
Create a Mindful Environment
Creating a more mindful company culture begins at the top. Enroll in and provide for other leaders and future leaders a comprehensive leadership development program. It should foster an environment for personal growth where bold, ethical leaders emerge and are encouraged to step up with confidence, purpose and passion. Continued personal development helps people, at all levels, develop leadership skills. Be the leader that inspires a high level of dedication.
Personal accountability, integrity and trust are the bedrock on which a successful organization is built. An empowered and supported management team is more likely to succeed and exceed goals.
Here is why:
• They are dedicated and enthusiastic to be a part of a higher functioning organization.
• Continued personal development helps people, at all levels, develop leadership skills. They discover how empowering and influential it is when they step into leadership positions where they are equipped with a connection to their higher selves.
• They are patient, more compassionate and have a better sense of wellbeing for themselves and others.
• They understand the importance of core values and how it affects the organization.
Implementation and follow up are the means to a successful program. The ripple effect is powerful and impacts an entire organization. Quality leadership is contagious and attracts more of the same. Participating in interactive and experiential leadership programs ensures a transformational experience that creates sustainable results.
Meaningful dialogue helps get to the root of the issues that tend to keep leaders from getting to the next level. Through mindful communication, self awareness becomes unmistakable and life altering.
Our society is desperate for bold, moral leadership. If we, as a society, want leaders that can be trusted then, first, we must be trustworthy.
It all starts with us. Imagine yourself leading in such a way where everyone is committed to a common vision, where success is the paradigm.
John Butruccio Jr. is CEO of Success Paradigm Inc. in Fremont. Butruccio is an entrepreneur, executive coach and leadership development trainer. He can be reached at successparadigminc.com or 603-244-2318.