As promised last week, this is my first true story about leadership agility.

The Good News? Leadership agility can be developed. If you are keen to learn and explore more, join us for a FREE Leadership Agility 360 webinar on June 12th. Registration link: https://lnkd.in/eJjxNEAB

Let me start by asking you?

How do you make space for reflection in your leadership journey?

Where to start?

In my early years leading change initiatives, I thought the biggest barrier was tools or training.

It wasn’t. It was me. I was a real policeman. I wanted everything to be just perfect. Good enough was not good for me.

Specifically, it was how I responded when:

  • Plans fell apart
  • Stakeholders pulled in different directions
  • Teams pushed back or disengaged

First, I was frustrated. How do they not get it?

Then, I realized that I was reactive. Defensive. Sometimes, too quick to “fix” instead of listening. My motto was: "I’ll fix it and let’s move on. Job done, until the next crisis happens".

and then....

I was working on a big program in a company and then… One turning point came during a major change rollout. A team lead told me bluntly:

"You keep telling us how to do things. What is good and what is wrong, but you don’t seem open to listening to others’ views and ideas." You keep telling us to be adaptive, but you don’t seem open to adapting your own approach. What are you going to do about it?”

Ouch. And true.

That feedback sparked a shift.

I started slowing down. Became more curious to explore others’ perspectives before sharing my view. I also started aligning with others before any conversation starts. I felt that I was getting better at listening to what others were saying, and I kept asking questions that could clarify my understanding of the topic.

One of the practices I learnt at that time and one I'm still practicing is to count to 10 before answering any question or replying to any email. I feel much more focused on looking inward, not just outward.

To summarize, what I’m continuing to practice and learn:

  • I start any conversation by aligning. I ask: What shall we talk about?
  • I'm not jumping to conclusions. I explore others' perspectives. What are they sharing?
  • I'm reflecting on what others are saying (count to 10).
  • I continue to share my perspective on the topic we are talking about
  • I'm exploring, together with others, what the next step will be after our conversation

That’s what leadership agility means:

  • It’s not about having the answers.
  • It is not about being a hero who saves the day
  • It’s not about knowing, it’s about growing
  • It’s about being present, reflective, and able to shift, without losing your center.

Now, I help and guide others to build this same muscle. Because change or transformation doesn’t begin with a roadmap. It begins with how we show up as leaders.

Curious where leadership agility could make the biggest difference for you or your team?

📩 DM me 📅 Or book a FREE discovery call: https://calendly.com/attitudepartnership/45min

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