Some simple leadership advice can help focus those who may feel like they’ve plateaued in terms of their ability. The advice is that Superman does not need a gym membership.
As you may know, Superman has super strength. While it might be fun, having him spend time in a gym, it doesn’t make much sense. His focus and time should be invested elsewhere.
In your career, are you metaphorically going to the gym for things that you already do well? And have you let some of your strengths limit your potential? Maybe it’s time to change the status quo.
Consider these tips to see if you need to spend less time flexing your muscles in the wrong areas:
Are You Too Comfortable?
You’re good at your job and know you can achieve your expected results. Let’s say, like clockwork, you and your team can produce five percent annual growth.
It’s very tempting to just repeat what has worked in the past. In fact, it’s kind of scary to get off that path.
But that’s when growth happens, employees stick around for a job that engages them, and new processes are discovered.
Experiment with some new ideas. Survey the marketplace for inspiration. Start asking, “What if?”
While this shift gets you out of your comfort zone and into unknown territory, it may be smart move for your career.
Industries, like newspapers, videotape rentals, and pagers were all stable and successful, until one day, they were outdated. It’s better to welcome change with a plan, rather than try to adapt in a panic.
Bored by Your Own Meetings?
In your meetings, which are well organized, do you find yourself less engaged with the session and more engaged with your phone? It’s like you can conduct the meeting in your sleep. You’ve become Superman doing bicep curls at the gym.
These are signs that your meetings are no longer engaging you. And if they’re not engaging you, think about the members of your team.
In this case, you need to reinvent your meetings. Maybe this involves shortening their length, focusing mainly on one or two topics, or having something important kick off the session.
Are the attendees encouraged to participate in discussions or are they expected to just sit and listen?
Average meetings rarely lead to organizational progress.
Accepting Diminishing Returns?
In any organization, you may start to experience diminishing returns in some areas. When things don’t turn out as well as expected, it’s important to investigate the situation. Otherwise, you’ll start to tolerate problems.
Sometimes, we see this where a business has a service relationship with a company. While the product isn’t as good as it used to be or isn’t getting better, you keep signing annual contracts, year after year.
While the current service provider may be your best option, has anyone investigated the marketplace for a better solution?
Along those lines, can you give feedback to the company, asking if their service can better fit your evolving needs? If this conversation doesn’t happen, then the service company may assume no further development is necessary.
Remember, you may be giving the leadership advice they need, which will ultimately benefit you.
If You Like this Post, You’ll Love Ken at Your Meeting
