It arrived in the morning mail.
The outside of the envelope is boldly stamped:
It doesn’t cost much to leave it all behind.
Jim Berra’s letter addresses one of life’s challenges (finding the perfect vacation). He then offers an alternative (ditch the stress and head straight for fun) and suggests an easy and value-driven action (book now and save up to 20%).
You guessed it, a sales proposal for a Caribbean cruise.
It doesn’t cost much to leave it all behind.
If you know me or have followed my blog you know I see most things as they relate to our growth as people; yes, that cruise “invitation”, too.
What could you “leave behind” – that is, stop doing?
One of my coaching exercises is adapted from Marshall Goldsmith’s work. It lists 21 common challenges leaders face in interpersonal and leadership behavior.
Here is your copy: Stop-What would help if you just stop?
Leadership development is often positioned as gaining a new skill. Sure, that is part of it. But leadership maturity is not always about what you must start doing. Sometimes the solution is to simply stop that limiting behavior.
For example, one of the 21 limiting behaviors is “winning too much”. This is that need to win at all costs and in all situations…whether it matters or not.
Not you? How about this one: “claiming credit you don’t deserve”. This is that inclination and annoying overestimation of your contribution.
Check out the coaching exercise for the other 19 options, perhaps you will identify a behavior to stop doing.
Here’s good news: it doesn’t cost much to leave limiting behavior behind.
What’s that costing you?
While the cruise invitation suggests it doesn’t cost much to leave it all behind, there is a cost.
To stop a leadership-limiting, interpersonal behavior we must acknowlege or notice it. Consistent reflection on how you “show up”, seeking feedback will help you start noticing. This growth habit of reflection requires creating space – setting aside time and place to think and record your observations…a journal is essential.
For more on how to break a personal growth barrier read this.
With increased awareness and honesty tap into your support system for accountability; add a reminder so you can take action.
What’s the upside?
Consider the ripple effects of stopping an unproductive behavior.
- Others will appreciate your example and honesty
- Honesty earns greater respect
- Respect enhances trust
- Trust is critical to leadership effectiveness
The cost of growth verses the cost of ignoring limiting behavior indicates it doesn’t cost much to leave it all behind.
Which behavior(s) is limiting your influence?
What is that behavior costing you?
Please forward to ONE friend.
What do you think…comment below, I’d love to hear from you.
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