Time for Self-Evaluation

TOPICs: COMMUNICATION SKILLS | LEADERSHIP SKILLS | EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

Time for Self-Evaluation

I have gone back several times and re-read every blog post from the past two years. If you are not in that habit I highly recommend that you do it occasionally. (For those of you who do not keep copies of the blog, every post is available on this website) One thing I have learned from this exercise is that there are several themes which are repeated throughout the blog series.

Using those five themes, I am requesting that each of you do a self-evaluation of your leadership style/progress by answering a series of questions. Steve and I will be discussing your answers during the next round of one-on-one meetings.

Communication

Am I a clear communicator? Am I a thorough communicator? Do I use communication simply to convey information or do I use it to influence behaviors? Do I vary my approach so employees don’t tune out the message? Am I in control of the narrative at all times? Is my communication mostly proactive or reactive?

Strategy

Have I become a strategic thinker? Do I approach problem solving in a systematic way or do I become distracted by the latest crisis? Can I manage a project from conception all the way through completion? Am I okay with the status quo or am I leading my team to new heights?

Innovation/Creativity

How much time do I spend on visionary thinking? Am I actively pursuing knowledge both in and outside my professional field? What is the last “big idea” I suggested to the team? Do I engage other business people in meaningful conversations to broaden my understanding of how other companies conduct business?

Leadership and Decision Making

Do I project strength or weakness? Am I successful at delegation? Am I a leader who takes action, or one who thinks about taking action? Do I confuse reasons with excuses or do I hold people (including myself) accountable? Am I a confident decision maker or do I fear failure more than I celebrate success?

Employee Relations

Am I a supporter or an enabler? Am I the kind of leader I would choose to follow? Do I treat diseases or am I focused on symptoms? Can employees count on me to provide answers on issues that are important to them? Am I connected personally to each of my employees? Am I making the members of my team better?

To make your one-on-one discussion valuable I recommend that you write down your personal evaluation for each section. (The questions relate to specific blogs and should be used to focus on the issues in each category. It is not necessary to provide answers to each question.) The purpose of this evaluation is to reach an honest assessment of where you are in the “Breaking Through” program. As I said in the opening paragraph, this is a great time to celebrate breakthroughs while getting feedback on your journey. Steve and I look forward to hearing from each of you.