Becoming a leader isn’t just about learning new skills or gaining a promotion. It’s also about three fundamental mind shifts, internal changes in perspective that will allow you to truly lead others. Many people carry the role or title of leader without having sustained these inner changes, which is why organisations suffer from poor morale and underperformance. Here are three mind shifts for mature leadership. Use these descriptions to reflect on your own mindset and identify where you can improve.
Shift 1. From self to others.
An immature leader is often self-focused and at worst selfish. Having progressed through their own expertise, knowledge or hard work they mistakenly believe that they need to continue down this path, rather than learn how to focus on the talents and needs of the people around them. At the simplest level this means learning how to delegate, to share the work (and the credit) with a team. It also means putting time and energy into developing others, growing their capability and confidence. At times, a mature leader knows that their own needs are less important than their teams or customers, so they put others first.
Shift 2. From what’s urgent now to what’s important for the future
It’s all too easy to get caught up in urgent tasks, the ‘crocodiles closest to the boat’ that are threatening success. Again, many people’s careers are based on effectively dealing with crises. And at times, leaders need to do exactly this. But a focus on what’s immediate needs to be the exception not the rule. Instead, mature leaders shift their attention to what is important for the future, looking over the horizon and preparing their team or whole organisation for coming threats and opportunities.
Shift 3. From things as they are to what they might be
When you’re always busy with immediate problems, or focusing only on your own needs, it’s easy to lose access to your creativity and imagination. You can begin to take people, processes and customers for granted. Mature leaders have learned to give themselves the time and space to pause, reflect and even dream a little. To consider what might be, what if, could we…~? This type of thinking can provide the seeds for change and growth, whether in your products, your customer base, or your whole position in the market.
As you read and reflect, consider how often and how well you take these three shifts in perspective. Remember too that there are times when leaders still need to focus on themselves, on what’s urgent, and what’s true now. Working with a skilled executive coach is a proven method for developing your inner readiness to lead, enabling you to better choose your mindset.
