Thoughtful, engaged leadership is pretty simple. It requires a balance of observation, reflection, analysis, and vulnerability in an ongoing process of intentional growth. Here are 4 relatable, easy-to-follow tips for problem-solving:
Observe
If we are truly observant, we know how to shape ourselves and our world to elicit happiness and various forms of success for others. Indeed, our own success is directly connected to how others respond to what we do -- employees, customers, and investors among them. Ever observant, we can create products and services that people actually need, instead of things we think they need.
Being Self Aware
While you can observe others all day long and note what makes them happy, your response to that observation carries with it inherent biases, opinions, and perspectives that affect the final product. Make a point to recognize these tendencies so you can dismantle them before they derail your product creation and strategy.
Analyze
Being aware of what's happening in the world around you and what your own assumptions/biases are is all well and good, but then you have to spend some time unraveling it. You can start by asking a few simple questions:
- Why do these behaviors -- my own or those of others -- exist? Where do they come from?
- How can my observations and reflections be ethically used in a business environment to inform my communication, product/service development, and strategy?
Many tools for analysis exist and depend largely on your industry and market. However, any consumer behavior data is a good place to start. Trends and patterns will reveal when behaviors began, which can be correlated to larger events or societal shifts. Additionally, consideration of your own life changes will uncover truths about changes in your own behavior, thought patterns, or actions.
Being Vulnerable
Success is always girded by vulnerability. Meaning, revealing your personal process and missteps so others have an opportunity to relate.
As we move ahead, we need to be ready to revise and revisit these steps - paying attention while progressing is key. The more we do it, the more it becomes second nature to us, and the easier growth becomes.
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