Happy Halloween!
While this has never been my favorite holiday (that is the subject of a different post), I realize it has become one of the most popular of all holidays - for children
and adults.
In the spirit of the day, I believe there are some lessons for all of us as leaders that we can take from Halloween - and largely they come from the opposites of Halloween traditions. Let me explain.
To be a more effective leader, and continue your development as a successful leader, there are three things you can do reverse Halloween and become a more effective leader at the same time.
1. Take off your mask. Want to be a more effective leader? Take off your mask. Be yourself. Be more real, be authentic. And while you are at it, recognize that you are not serving anyone by overly trying to emulate another leader either. Should we aspire to be as effective as our role models? Should we try to learn from them? Of course. But when we try to be like them, we lose the credibility and value that comes from being ourselves.
2. Stop trying to be scary. Halloween is in some ways about darkness, ghosts and scaring people. Too many leaders think they will be more successful and lead more with more influence when they rely on scare tactics. Stop trying to sneak up behind people to catch them "in the act." Stop trying to scare people into action. Great leaders find more effective ways to motivate and inspire. See points 1 above and read point 3 next for two great ideas.
3. Focus more on Treats, and less on tricks. Do you give enough positive feedback? Do you let people know that you care for them? do you let them know you appreciate their efforts and results? All of these are the treats that we all need to be more successful. If you aren't providing these things as a leader, who is going to? And if not now, when?
These are just three "reverse lessons" that you can take from Halloween to create great results as a leader.
While you enjoy Halloween today, think about the lessons you can take from these activities to help you in your personal (and organizational) leadership development efforts.
Unleashing Your Remarkable Potential is Kevin Eikenberry’s guide to helping you have amazing success while developing your professional and personal potential.
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