As an executive leadership coach, I have been using a daily ritual with my clients for many years that has been effective in improving their leadership skills. This is something I have personally been doing for a long time and it has had a significant impact on my personal and professional journey. The ritual is simple: before any coaching meeting, intake call, social gathering, or personal interaction, I ask myself “How can I leave this person or situation better than I found it?”
I have been doing this with everything and everyone I encounter for decades, and my clients who are serious about their leadership and making a positive impact have also adopted this practice and ask themselves the same question.
Here are a few ways that this simple, but important question changes the perspective of leadership:
Staying fully present and focused: This daily ritual encourages leaders to be fully present in each interaction, rather than letting their minds wander or becoming distracted by other tasks. By staying present, leaders are better able to listen to understand and pick up on subtle cues that may be important for their work.
Promoting humility: Asking oneself “How can I leave this person or situation better than I found it?” requires a certain level of self-reflection and introspection. It encourages leaders to be open to feedback and willing to learn from others, rather than being closed off or defensive. This humility can help to create a positive, collaborative culture within an organization.
Caring about others: Asking this question helps leaders to take the time to listen and understand the needs and concerns of those around them, and make an effort to connect on a deeper level. By demonstrating a genuine interest in others, leaders can build trust and strengthen relationships within their organization.
Cultivating a learning mindset: By continually asking themselves how they can improve and make a positive impact, leaders are more likely to be open to new ideas and approaches. This learning mindset can help them to stay up-to-date with industry trends and better serve their organization.
Leaving a positive impact: Focusing on others and striving to leave them better off has the power to create an impact and strengthen an organization. By prioritizing the needs of others and working to improve their experiences, leaders can build a strong, positive culture that will benefit both the organization and those who serve it.
In the end, this daily ritual of asking oneself “How can I leave this person or situation better than I found it?” has the power to help leaders make a lasting difference.
Lead From Within: This important question can help leaders not only improve themselves but it can also create a lasting impression on the organization they lead.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.