The more expected from us at work, the more we need to improve our leadership skills. At the same time, however, we probably have less time to focus on leadership development. How should you manage this paradoxical situation and become a really good leader?
"You have to learn on the job, make the most of your surroundings, and ask those around you for help," says Marshall Goldsmith, world-renowned senior executive coach, speaker and author of popular books on personal development such as What Got You Here won't Get You There and Mojo. He recommends leaders to follow a leadership development model he calls "Leadership Is a Contact Sport".
The "Leadership Is a Contact Sport" model was first described in 2004 in an article which summarized the experience of 86,000 people. Today, Marshall Goldsmith's data is about the successful use of this model from 250 thousand people. How does the model work? It consists of the following eight steps.
1. Ask. Ask others, "How can I become a better (manager, partner, co-worker, etc.)?"
2. Listen. Listen to the answers.
3. Think. Think about what their answers really mean.
4. Thank. Always say thanks for feedback.
5. Respond. Respond to the feedback with a positive focus on change.
6. Involve. Ask people around you to support you in your quest to make a change.
7. Change. Theoretical knowledge is not enough. Apply new knowledge to practice.
8. Follow up. Regularly communicate with the people who inspired you to change and inform them of your progress.
For more information about the concept of leadership as a contact sport, watch a video shared by Marshall Goldsmith available on this page.
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