Self-improvement has on leadership and business growth, however often owners don’t have the courage to look in the mirror and fix the personal fears which hold them back from making the necessary changes to take their business to the next level. I challenge you to find the courage. My team and I are here to help you make the transition.
Stephen Covey, of 7 Habits of Effective People fame, advocated personal responsibility. I feel Covey’s model simplifies a very complex problem we all have – in what order do we deal with problems.
My main take away from the model was that you cannot engage in proper relationships with others until you understand ourselves. This is huge when it comes to leadership, as it tells us that we can’t lead others unless we first lead ourselves!
The Courage of Taking Responsibility
This is a difficult concept for many, including me, because most of us were raised to put others first. Not doing so was considered selfish. But in fact psychologically, if we have internal struggles with ourselves those problems will always manifest themselves outwardly in other ways. I takes courage to face that internal struggle if you ever hope to be a better leader for your business.
This is a critical lesson! One that I try to get small business owners to learn as soon as possible when I begin coaching them. If you cannot take responsibility for yourself, then how can you take responsibility for your business and employees, or even more significantly, how can you ask others to take responsibility for themselves?
Does This Sound Familiar?
I’ll give you an example. How many times have you heard a business owner complaining about the performance of their business; how key employees are failing to meet objectives; vendors quality is not where it needs to be, and the list goes on and on.
Well, as the owner of the business can’t they change those things? They are in charge, aren’t they!? Or are they?
If you think about it a good leader has the courage to take the action needed to correct all of those problems. Often small business owners don’t know how to correct the problems, so they just complain about them.
Courage to Fix the REAL Problem
Wouldn’t a more effective way to deal with the problems be to get some help and learn how to deal with them? Of course it would. But there is the rub! That means that they have to look in the mirror and say –“I AM THE PROBLEM!” That takes courage!
It takes a lot of courage to admit that you are the problem. But, it is the first step in fixing the situation, whatever it may be, and taking a step forward to becoming a better leader.
Your business will only grow when you grow. Remember there are 2 factors that impact business growth – leadership factors and management factors. The leadership factors mean you must mature as a business leader to meet the challenges of your growing company.
Do you have the courage to get there? Or, do you have some growing to do? If you are ready to grow as a leader, a cost effective method of getting there is our BGS coaching with BGS Business Accelerator Masterclass. Just click the button below to find out more or get registered.
When a leader looks in the mirror and says, “I need help,” it is the beginning of something great. Thanks for reminding us that we need to be courageous.
Dan,
Thanks for the comment. I agree 100%.
Humility is one of the key character traits of a good leader. And, the ability to say “I need help” is a step in the right direction towards expressing humility. Thanks for another great comment!
– Dino Eliadis
Dino, there is much truth in what you say about looking at yourself as a leader. A great leader is humble enough to realize he/she can always be better. I recently read a book about the philosophical writings of Marcus Aurelis. He said, “When you’re annoyed with someone’s mistake, immediately look at yourself and reflect on how you also fail.” I find these (and many of his other philosophical reflections) to be words of wisdom!
Sheryl,
Thanks for the comment. You’ve hit the nail on the head!
It can be difficult for us to look at ourselves and say “I need help.” But humility is definitely one key character traits of a good leader.
Thanks again for a great comment!
– Dino Eliadis
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