The Power of Trying New Approaches in Leadership
“The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence – it is to act with yesterday’s logic.”
– Peter Drucker
Hey there, leaders and professionals! Have you ever found yourself stuck in the same routine, wondering if there's a different way to tackle your challenges? Well, you're not alone. Sticking to the "tried and true" can often feel like the safest bet in our fast-paced world. However, embracing new approaches and stepping outside our comfort zones can unlock unprecedented growth and innovation. This isn't just about changing for the sake of change; it's about being open to new possibilities and learning from the journey, no matter where it leads.
Tips to Get Started
Embrace a Growth Mindset: Start with the belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed. This mindset encourages curiosity and a willingness to learn, which is the foundation of trying new methods.
Small Changes, Big Impact: You don't have to revolutionize your entire strategy overnight. Small, incremental changes can lead to significant improvements over time.
Seek Diverse Perspectives: Surround yourself with people from different backgrounds and industries. They can offer insights and approaches you might have yet to consider.
Reflect Regularly: Make it a habit to reflect on your experiences, both the successes and the challenges. Reflection is a powerful tool for growth, helping you understand what works and doesn't.
Fail Forward: Don't fear failure; embrace it as part of learning. Each failure is a step closer to success, offering valuable lessons.
Try a Different Approach: Regularly find ways to challenge your approach to solving problems, starting projects, or building teams. These can be small adjustments or exercises you practice independently to widen your perspective.
As leaders and professionals, we're often tasked with navigating the unknown, and what better way to do that than by experimenting with new strategies and ideas? By stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing the discomfort of the unfamiliar, we open ourselves up to growth, innovation, and, perhaps most importantly, the ability to inspire those around us.
Your Challenge: Pick one area of your professional life where you've felt stuck or complacent. Using the tips above, try one new approach to tackle this challenge. It doesn't have to be monumental; even a small change can provide new insights and outcomes. Share your experience and learning with your team or peers. Let's embrace the adventure of the unknown together and see where it leads us.
Remember, the goal isn't perfection but better than yesterday. Here's to breaking the mold and discovering what we're capable of!
"Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck - delves into how adopting a growth mindset—believing abilities can be developed—rather than a fixed mindset can significantly impact success and transformation in both individuals and organizations
"The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries - advocates for a customer-focused, iterative approach in business to significantly reduce failure rates and foster innovation
"Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us" by Daniel H. Pink - reveals that true motivation arises from autonomy, mastery, and purpose, not external incentives, providing strategies to improve satisfaction and performance in various aspects of life
Harvard Business Review's "The Power of Small Wins" by Teresa Amabile and Steven J. Kramer - daily progress in meaningful tasks boosts employee motivation and creativity, underscoring the critical role of managerial support; explore the full article for deeper insights on enhancing workplace productivity
Newsletters I read daily to stay informed and get inspired: The Hustle, Morning Brew, Seth Godin’s Blog, Atlas Obscura, Oprah Daily
Podcasts: The Daily, NPR News Now, Marketplace, Marketplace Tech, Don’t Keep Your Day Job, The Highest Self, Planet Money
Well, that’s interesting…
The Hustle and Hubspot featured an article about one man who tried to quit Big Tech. As you might imagine, it was harder than he thought.
Do you think you would be able to quiet all Big Tech products? Read the full article below to find out.
Consider how many different pieces of content you see in any given week. See something that resonates with you? Share it with us to feature it in our Social Media of the Week section.
"Leadership is a combination of strategy and character. If you must be without one, be without the strategy".