Noticing - A Critical Leadership Behaviour
When we acknowledge that which we sense, we access information our intellect may otherwise omit, informing our choices and enabling us to live in a more integrated way in this complex system called life. - S. Leppky
As a senior leader, one of my biggest challenges was the ability to be present and notice.
To be present and aware of what was happening around and within me, without judgement.
Back-to-back calendars, demanding portfolios, busy and sometimes understaffed teams, among other stressors, can make it very easy for us to move from one thing to the next, often with something else on our minds. It makes it easy for us not to notice what is happening around and inside of us.
As leaders, our success is not only dependent upon our strategy, the plans to execute on it and the extent to which our teams have the knowledge and skills to do the work.
Our success is dependent upon our ability to notice.
What we notice, about others, and ourselves, and the environment around us, informs how we choose to be and the actions that we choose to take.
Our ability to notice is critical.
When we are present and notice, we see who is struggling and who is killing it.
We notice the dynamics around the table. Virtual or in-person.
We see the plays that are happening.
We see connections.
It can open us up to solutions we did not see before.
Our ability to notice what is happening within us is also critical.
Our emotions provide us with important information that enables us to make more informed decisions.
For example, noticing when anger rises up and in that moment, pausing to ask ourselves what triggered that for us and therefore how do I want to respond?
Being in a conversation and noticing a sudden feeling of insecurity. Being curious about what was said or done to create that within us and resetting ourselves.
The Red Chair Ranch herd is masterful in helping us notice.
They do so without judgement.
When individuals work with the herd and notice with courageous curiosity, the shift is often transformational.
It brings them a little closer to their authentic self.
It facilitates their ability to lead.
Being present and noticing is a critical leadership behaviour.
It differentiates the good from the great.
