LEADERSHIP ESSENTIALS
Barriers to Growth
Hello Sheeba,
Always be improving.
It's a mindset and mantra that is well-known to be the earmark of a strong leader. There is always more to learn and ways to grow, and no one thrives when they are stagnant.
Sometimes, however, we still find ourselves stuck in a rut! You want to grow your business, you want to grow as a leader, but you don't ever seem to find the time or make the effort.
What is that about?
Occasionally, we have barriers to our growth that we don't even realize, and they can be inhibiting our potential in a big way. If any of this sounds like you, I want to first and foremost remind you not to worry! We all have periods when we feel unmotivated or uninspired, but for our own well-being and the success of our business, we know we can't stay this way for long.
So, the first step is going to be determining what the barrier to your growth might be for you. Below are a few common barriers that many people face:
Busyness. This is a big one. I don't know a single professional who isn't constantly busy with a hundred different tasks at any given moment - myself included! If this feels like the case with you, I implore you to carve out the time you need to determine what is of priority for you. I like to call these "Growth Blocks" of time, and be intentional to schedule these blocks within your calendaring system. We convince ourselves that work-work-working is the quickest path to success, but this kind of working keeps you busy and not necessarily productive.
Fear. Nothing can quite inhibit personal or professional growth like the fear of failure. If what you've been doing feels like it's been working fine, why change it, right? Not necessarily so. in this ever changing world, "fine" is a barometer that will only lead to a lack of progress. Don't be afraid to attempt a new technique, or learn about a new innovation. When it comes to progress, even "failure" is a step forward when you are implementing fresh ideas - it can teach you so much.
Denial. It is difficult to improve if you are unwilling to admit the need. Even if you have been at your career in leadership for several years, please don't ever stop believing that you have plenty to learn. With technology advancing so rapidly and the face of workplace relationships changing with the times, trust me when I say that there are ample opportunities to learn, grow, and become an effective leader.
Which of these barriers resonate the most for you? When it comes to overcoming barriers to growth, awareness is the first and most critical step. Once you are aware, then you can take steps that will help you to overcome those barriers. Is it time to work with a Leadership Coach, if so schedule a complimentary call with me and let's discuss your goals and areas that you would like to change in your leadership journey.
COACHING QUESTIONS
- What have you allowed to stop your growth?
- What are three things that you can do this week to overcome the barrier to your growth?
- How can you support someone else on your team trying to overcome a barrier to their growth?
False. It's actually quite higher. According to Brandon Hall State of Leadership Development, 58% of organizations value leadership development. So, it's more important than ever to work on overcoming the barriers to your growth.
LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT
Jars by Dani
Dani Beckerman loves baking. She wanted to turn her passion into a business, but was looking for a non-traditional path to success that wouldn't include your typical, run-of-the-mill corner bakery.
She found inspiration in a mason jar.
Dani began crafting custom dessert jars that looked as good as the tasted. Using bright colors and fresh ingredients, she creates delicious truffle-like desserts presented in clear jars. She even has gluten-free and vegan options.
Dani had an earnest start, selling and delivering her jars on foot across Manhattan, but her website is now thriving with trans-continental deliveries, two different sizes, and twelve different flavor options - with occasional seasonal offering as well.
A-Listers like Diane Von Furstenberg, Kenneth Cole and Teen Vogue have even made Jars by Dani a must at their fashion events.
LEADERSHIP RESOURCE
Leadership Freak is a website and blog that is dedicated to the development of effective leaders.
It is hosted by Dan Rockwell who has owned two businesses and served fifteen years as a Workforce Development Consultant for a Penn State University Special Affiliate.
The Leadership Freak blog has been in circulation for over ten years with over 450,000 subscribers. It tackles everything from following your dream to monitoring momentum to how to be a leader that people like without compromising your power.
COMPLIMENTARY DISCOVERY CALL
If you are in leadership, it’s never been more challenging than ever before because you are trying to manage various personality styles, wanting to get the best output out of everyone, while also trying to get your work done and hit your business goals and deadlines. This can feel overwhelming and frustrating on any given day.
If you want to lead with more confidence and ease then schedule a time for a complimentary discovery call with Coach Sheeba, Click Here.
Sheeba Varghese is a Leadership Trainer and Executive Coach. Her passion is to help emerging leaders prosper in the new multi-generational workplace so they can bring the best out of their people, increase the team’s output, and feel confident and at ease in their leadership role. She sees leadership everywhere: in the home, in the classroom, in the playground or in the boardroom. The question remains how well are you leading regardless of the sphere you are called to impact.
Sheeba is married to her loving and patient husband, Santosh. They have two sons, Samuel and Steven, and these days Sheeba is adjusting to the "empty-nest" phase of life. She loves great movies, a good book, decorating and eating at the wonderful restaurants of San Francisco.
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