Improve your RELATIONSHIPS –

        Self-awareness is the starting point that leads to self-improvement

        Become a better leader by improving your self-awareness. 

        If you are keen to do a better job and continue improving, think about some of your past performances. Be honest with yourself and be objective.    

        Some people believe they can do everything.

        Self-aware managers and leaders are aware of the fact that they lack some skills – they consult others and look for ways to improve their attitudes in their workplace.

A Handful of Tips to help you improve your self-awareness to become a better leader

* Continually evaluate yourself 

        Every time you do a job, whether it be running a meeting, or giving instruction to team leaders, ask yourself these simple questions.

“What did I do right?”

“What did I do badly?”

“How can I do better next time?”

        Make a note to remind yourself about ways you can improve.

* How do others see me?

        When you last gave instructions were you neat and tidy?  Did you chat to your people, or give strict bossy orders?

         Were you confident and well organized? 

        Think about some of your recent actions.

        Were you successful? Could you have done better? 

        Were you grumpy? Did you smile? Did you leave your staff keen to co-operate and full of confidence about their work?

* Know what you don’t know

        Accept the fact you have certain deficiencies.

        Realize there are areas you have little expertise in.

        Seek out people, or build a team to help you fill in your gaps.

        Learn to question, listen with care, and delegate work to others.

* Monitor your impact

        Because so much work is about relationships, knowing how you affect others is critical to your leadership skills.

        Look for clues that you are building sound relationships.

        How do people treat you? Are they relaxed and treat you as a friend, or are they nervous when talking to you?

* What habits annoy others?

        Get feedback from colleagues about any habits or mannerisms which irritate them.

        Often direct questions asked at a social gathering will get an honest reply. Coffee breaks or chats at the water cooler are good places to get informal feedback.  

        “Can you suggest ways we can get a better response from our meetings? My style seems to upset some people. Why is that?”

        ” Can you suggest ways to get more co-operation and support?”

        Commit yourself to a life of self-improvement.

-Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

“Work out your own salvation, don’t depend on others.”

Follow these blogs if you want to succeed.

Source:  “Revitalise Your Business. Guidelines for new leader-managers” and “Secrets for New Managers”, first published by Moss Associates Ltd, New Zealand.  “Business Secrets” and “Secrets for New Managers” have been published by Cengage Learning, Asia. Also published by SE-EDUCATION in Thailand, ANE Books in India, and the Singapore Institute of Management.  Available as e-books from Amazon.com and VitalSource Bookshelf.