It’s simple, but it’s not easy.
Ever heard someone say that to you? I have. A client told me that a few weeks ago about our leadership coaching work together. In theory and concept, our work together was simple.
Improve communication.
Remain present and calm.
Reduce knee-jerk reactions and behaviors.
Simple… but not easy.
As life has it often enough, simple but not easy was a micro-theme that was presented to me several times over the past few weeks. And if you’re wondering what a “micro-theme” is, here’s an explanation.
The simple (pun intended) idea is that everything to do with improving our leadership is related to our growth areas.
Want to set clearer boundaries? Simple, define what is acceptable to you and what isn’t.
Want to delegate more of your work to your team? Simple, assign tasks to your team members.
Aspiring to be a best-in-class leader? Simple, inspire, and motivate your team.
Each of these ideas, theories, and concepts are simple enough – just be better.
BUT, it’s not easy.
Is there a solution?
For those of us who lose our temper, wouldn’t it be great to be able to snap our fingers and – voila! All of a sudden we’re the coolest and calmest mofos since Sam Jackson in Pulp Fiction?
Nice dream. But as we all know – life doesn’t come with an easy button.
It does come, however, with a way to make simple things work. So here’s the secret about how to take simple leadership concepts and make them easier to implement.
Practice.
Yes, Allen Iverson, we’re talking about practice.
Practice Makes Everything Work
Think about the last time you were a beginner at something, put in the effort to improve, and became an intermediate.
The more you ride a technical section of a mountain bike trail, the more skilled and confident you become at navigating difficult terrain.
The more you listen with the intent to hear (and not just to reply), the deeper and more meaningful your conversations will become.
The more you become an adult when your children are—well… being children, the more effectively you can guide and support them through their challenges.
The more you find what inspires and motivates your team, the more you can drive them to achieve their best performance.
Simple things become easier for you the more you do them. And that takes practice.
So yes, following a set of self-improvement tips to become a better person is simple – but until they become more natural and you’re able to do them with less conscious thought – they’re not easy. But practice will get you there.
Practical Ideas for Leaders to Practice
Now that we’ve established the importance of practice, here are some practical ideas that you can incorporate into your daily routine to foster growth and development as a leader.
1. Daily Reflection
Set aside a few minutes at the end of each day to reflect on your leadership actions. Practice doing this daily! Ask yourself:
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- What did I do well today?
- Where could I have handled things better?
- How can I improve tomorrow?
This simple habit can help you stay mindful of your growth areas.
2. Role-Playing Scenarios
Practice difficult conversations or situations through role-playing. Whether it’s with a trusted colleague, your coach, or even in front of a mirror, role-playing can help you prepare for real-life scenarios, making you more confident and effective when the time comes….Practice!
3. Seek Feedback Regularly
Create a culture of feedback by regularly asking your team for input on your leadership. Questions like, “What’s on your mind”, “How can I support you better?”, or “What can I improve on?” not only show your commitment to growth but also provide specific areas for you to focus your practice.
4. Mindfulness and Meditation
Incorporate mindfulness or meditation into your routine to enhance your ability to stay present and calm. These practices can help reduce stress and improve your reaction to challenging situations.
5. Set Small, Achievable Goals
Break down your larger leadership goals into smaller, manageable tasks. For instance, if you want to improve your public speaking skills, start by practicing speaking up more in meetings before moving on to larger presentations.
6. Mentorship and Coaching
Engage with a mentor or leadership coach who can provide guidance, support, and accountability. Having someone to discuss challenges with and to celebrate successes can make the practice process more rewarding and effective.
7. Journaling
Keep a leadership journal where you document your experiences, reflections, progress – and your practice! This can help you track your development over time and provide a record of what strategies have been most effective for you.
8. Celebrate Small Wins
Acknowledge and celebrate your progress, no matter how small. Recognizing your achievements can boost your motivation and reinforce the positive behaviors you’re developing through practice.
Final Takeaway
Incorporating these practices into your routine can help transform simple leadership concepts into powerful, effective habits.
Remember, becoming a better leader can seem simple on the surfact, but it’s actually hard. And that’s what practice is for.
Think about this the next time you’re sweating or stressing—the only way to make things easier is through practicing.
If you’re not practicing, by default, that means you’re accepting the status quo. If that’s you, stop complaining until you’re willing to do something about it.