Think Like a Leader
Thinking and mindset are inextricably linked, so this edition’s focus on mindset challenges us to think about what forces are powering our thinking. Fixed and growth mindsets have been popularised in modern psychology and in how teams work. Successful leaders think with a growth mindset.
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Feel Like a Leader
Our mindset often determines how we feel – but is there a ‘chicken and egg’ dynamic here? Like all our thinking and emotions we need to practise to improve how we think, feel and act. And, in reality, different areas of our thinking may have different drivers. Understanding the areas where our mindset is fixed and where it is growth orientated will directly influence our feelings.
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Act Like a Leader
It is the actions of leaders that illustrate their mindset, and your team will already have made their judgement of yours based on how you are working with them. Do they match up?
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Dr Dave Stachowiak from California has been producing the ‘Coaching for Leaders’ podcast for many years. He regularly interviews people from around the world and has a monthly feature focusing on one of his Academy ‘listener members’. These are real world experiences of people trying to up their game as leaders and have a freshness and honesty about them. This interview is with Mark Ipaviz of Eleven Australia.
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Lolly Daskal is the expert on lists! She consistently produces great little summaries that act as a checklist for the developing leader. Click the link to see the points below expanded.
'12 Signs You Have the Mindset to Be a Great Leader
Becoming a great leader is a work in progress.
There are things that will accelerate your leadership and things that will hold you back.
I believe that everybody has within them the potential to be a great leader.
But it all starts, and ends, with mindset.
As a coach to top executives in leading industries, I’ve been able to observe the traits that the best leaders share. Here are some of the most significant. If this sounds like you, you could be on your way to greatness. And even if it doesn’t, you can get there - but you may need to adjust your thinking first.
1. Curiosity
2. Positivity
3. The ability to listen
4. Openness
5. Empathy
6. Resourcefulness
7. A good relationship with change
8. Communicativeness
9. Connection
10. Confidence
11. Conviction
12. Solution-seeking
Lead from within: Great leadership comes from having a great mindset, so pay attention to what you think before it becomes how you act.'
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Larry Sharpe talks about one of the key elements in leadership mindset in this short video. Simple and clear, but one of the hardest things for leaders to do consistently and well.
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Could there be a better picture for The Leader newsletter than one taken at Leaderfoot?
The Viaduct was captured on a crisp autumn day and shows the size and scale of the construction. It is also known as the Drygrange and was built for the Berwickshire Railway Company between 1862 and 1865. Archaeologists believe that the Romans even had a crossing in this area – what a history. Leaders are constantly building bridges of all sizes and shapes. What bridge have you built that you are most proud of?
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Carol Dweck is the Stanford professor who is regarded as the mother of the modern mindset understanding and popularity. Her seminal work is Mindset The New Psychology of Success. Published by Random House in 2006 it remains the classic on the topic and is widely available. Her work is built around an understanding of the key attributes of having either a fixed or growth mindset. I heard her speak a few years ago at Stanford and was struck by how pivotal mindset is for the leader – and an understanding of the topic informs how leaders work with their teams. Can real leaders have anything but a growth mindset?
“The view that you adopt for yourself profoundly affects the way you lead your life.”
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Travels to a Different Country #34
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...without a little reflection, there is no Insight Added.
"Leadership is a mindset that shifts from being a victim to creating results. Any one of us can demonstrate leadership in our work and within our lives."
Robin Sharma
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Lead well
Graham and Lesley
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