Do you remember some of the ‘Best’ leaders you’ve worked with? Do you remember some of the “Worst’ ones that you’ve had the unfortunate experience of working for? Well these memories can be an outstanding blueprint for you to develop your Leadership skills.
There’s no question you were likely exposed to some very powerful lessons on effective leadership throughout your career. If you’ve been promoted into a leadership position, you’ve already received them well before you moved into that role. Where did they come from? They are courtesy of all the managers, supervisors, leaders you’ve had throughout your working career.
Think back on all of the various people you’ve worked for/with over the years. Some you’ll remember fondly, some not so fondly. Undoubtedly some were great leaders—or at least they displayed behaviors that many were attracted to, as well as followed. These were leaders who showed you, through their example, what you should be doing, appropriate behaviors, etc. Follow their lead and emulate these leaders. When in doubt ask yourself—“What would he/she do in this circumstance?” “How would they handle this situation?” Then move forward!
Maybe your inventory of past managers also includes one or two difficult, challenging, or some might have called them, “jerks”. ..and you’d likely just as soon forget them. DON’T!! You need to remember these leaders, clearly and frequently, as well—every day. They will provide your best lessons on what NOT TO DO. By avoiding the poor leadership behaviors exhibited by these leaders, you’ll make sure to focus on the positive leadership traits and down the road, you won’t appear on any of your team members’ lists of their worst leaders J.
“People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to copy after.”
—Oliver Goldsmith
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