I read an article recently about things to look forward to when you get older. It was a collection of reflections from people who, like me, are in their 50s. It made me get goose bumps if I’m honest.
It was kind of refreshing to hear the stories, wisdom and collective opinions on what being older means to them and how for so long in their younger years they were stuck in trying to be someone else. Now for me, as someone who is a business advisor and an executive coach, it turned my thoughts to being a leader in my 20s-30s-40s and now, on occasions, in my 50s. Just what have I learnt on being a leader and as someone who can help others be a better leader?
Upon reflection, I consider ‘wisdom’ to be one of the most essential leadership skills you can have. Is this something you can teach? Not sure - but it is something you can learn.
Here are 5 key lessons of how wisdom has helped in achieving leadership success:
1. Be comfortable in assessing your own levels of ignorance – you don't have to know everything or pretend that you do. Because if you do, you’ll get found out pretty quickly and just look dumb. Instead, be open and be curious…ask questions and you’ll find that a new type of dialogue opens up around you.
2. Remember the key people in your life – when you look back at your career, there are probably a few people that stick out who gave you a chance, motivated you, inspired you, took a risk on you….think about these when you are in a position like they were when faced with you. Just remember, people in life need a chance. Make sure you pay forward when you can.
3. Be open to other people’s ideas – I have seen some colleagues get so stuck on their idea or their agenda that the potential for innovation and creativity was shut down before it had a chance to get going. Adopt instead an attitude that someone else has an equally good or better idea than you and then embrace it.
4. Share your wisdom – when you get an opportunity, be a mentor or a coach. This is a special relationship and allows you the chance to share what you have done well and not so well. You can do this with people in any walk of life, but when I look back this becomes one of the most satisfying aspects of leadership that is possible.
5. And finally….sometimes, just don't give a sh** – sometimes, you end up so suffocated by wanting to make the right choices, the right decisions, you end up doing nothing or becoming so stifled you really don’t have the desired impact for those around you or yourself. When you get more experienced, you have with it a level of freedom. Do crazy stuff, have fun, relax more and…just make the decision. Don't procrastinate.
About the Author
David Ramsey is a business advisor to public and private sector organizations, an executive coach, a husband and father of 3, and a life long Arsenal fan (read that as a pessimist for 99% of the time and optimist on Day 1 of the season).
He is a published author on executive coaching and the use of metaphor. If you liked this blog, follow David on Linked In and review more insights on his website www.ramseyhouse.ca
