This is a conversation about opportunities for growth in dependence and gratitude. Simply put, this is about ownership and acknowledgement. The window and mirror are metaphors describing when one looks outside (window) and when one looks within (mirror).
Great leaders are known for high levels of ownership and affinity in the environments they operate. On the contrary, average folks are not known for these key attributes.
In good and not-so-good times, great leaders know when to look within and when to look to others. Unfortunately, average folks operate in opposite manner.
In times of success, great leaders look out the window to
those around them – team mates, peers, mentors – to those who have contributed
to the success to thank them and acknowledge them. They understand that success
is a team effort. Acknowledging others is not only the right thing to do, it
also makes them want to do more for you.
Average people look in the mirror to admire what they have accomplished. They
do not acknowledge others and sadly enough, might want to steal other people’s thunder.
Very myopic!
In times of failure and struggle, great leaders look in the
mirror, taking ownership for the shortcomings and evaluate what they need to do
to be better. Of course, if the issue is totally out of their control, they wouldn’t
dump the issue on themselves, but they own the outcome and work with the
concerned party(parties) to find a resolution.
Average people on the other hand look out the window and blame others for their
shortcomings – anyone, everyone, the economy, leaders, co-workers, friends – no
one is safe!
There is something to be said about owning a team’s outcomes. It takes a real, mature leader to put the team first when the going is great and put themselves first when it isn’t going well. The default is the reverse.
Ownership, like many leadership attributes is a mindset. So is giving gratitude. In the same way, pointing blame and being “all about me” when the going is good is a mindset. As a leader, how can you grow this year in owning your team’s results? How can you grow in giving gratitude?
Share your thoughts.
#mindset #leadershipmindset #ownership #gratitude #b2bsales #SalesProfessionals #leadership #sales