| | JULY 2024MANAGEHRMAGAZINE.COM9Organizations build systems and processes to drive outcomes. Leaders try to manage human capital in the same way. We develop HR policies and programs to drive performance, engagement surveys to gather feedback, and onboarding practices to orient new employees to the company's culture. We need these systems and experiences to ensure the workforce is heading in the direction that will create the right financial and human-centered outcomes, both of which are needed for business success. We all know that the art of leadership is in `how' we do this. The question is, do we take time to critically self-examine how we show up? Do we stop and ask ourselves the difficult questions that enable us to lead more effectively? Do we question how quickly we are going through the motions and ask ourselves if we missed opportunities to inspire others? Do we slow down long enough to transform a mandatory practice such as a performance review into a conversation that empowers our employees to keep going even when times are tough? Do we take time to encourage a growth mindset and reinforce and support the development of individuals on our team? Do we question if we are showing up for others as that positive coach who believed in us when we didn't believe in ourselves?There is no road map for leadership other than self-reflection. We truly don't see ourselves if we don't look back and honor what we've learned and what we want to do differently in the future. John Maxwell said, "If you ever look back at something you did five years ago, and it still looks good.... you're not growing". To be great leaders and have the most positive impact on others, we must reflect on the ups and downs, moments of pride and self-doubt, successes and failures, and big mistakes that we desperately tried to learn from. Self-reflection is the mirror we hold up to ourselves to assess if we are leading in alignment with our core values. Don't wait until you have time. Make time. Ask the hard questions and be willing to grow as a result. It is our greatest lever for success - for us, our organization, and those we have the privilege to lead. To be great leaders and have the most positive impact on others, we must reflect on the ups and downs, moments of pride and self-doubt, successes and failures, and big mistakes that we desperately tried to learn from
< Page 8 | Page 10 >