“Those who are the best at leading are also the best at learning. Exemplary leaders don’t rest on their laurels or rely on their natural talents; instead, they continually do more to improve themselves. So, if you want to be the best you can be, you need to become a great learner.” (Kouzes & Posner, 2013, p. 1)
In the field of leadership, growth is an ongoing process marked by assessments, reflections, and a commitment to improvement. As I continue this high-performance leadership program, I commit to keep improving my leadership competencies for a transformative journey. For the purpose of this program, I have conducted a Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) assessment to better understand my strengths and areas for development and I was assessed by my athletes (10 players) and two of my managers. In this blog post I want to reflect on the LPI assessment results, based on the National Coach Certification Program (NCCP) core competency of Leading, and comment and give outlines of my personal improvement action plan for enhancing my leadership skills.
LPI Assessment: Strengths and Opportunities:
The competency of leading is paramount for a coach as it lays the foundation for team cohesion and success. Effective leadership in coaching entails modeling the way by exemplifying desired behaviors and attitudes which sets the standard for the team to follow. It also involves inspiring a clear and compelling vision that aligns team members toward common goals, fostering a sense of purpose and motivation. Through leading, a coach cultivates an environment of trust, accountability, and open communication, essential for nurturing athlete development and achieving collective excellence.
The LPI assessment revealed both strengths and opportunities for growth in my leadership approach. My top strengths lie in inspiring and challenging my team. Setting goals collaboratively with the team has become a cornerstone of my leadership style, fostering a sense of shared purpose. Looking forward and maintaining a positive outlook on future performance is another strength, although I realize that a more balanced focus on acknowledging successes is needed to boost team morale.
On the flip side, I recognize areas for improvement, notably in the domains of encouraging and enabling. I tend to shoulder the responsibility of decision-making, which may unintentionally undermine the team’s sense of ownership. Moreover, I have identified a need to improve communication regarding individual contributions, as well as finding ways for celebrating team successes. These insights are pivotal in shaping my leadership journey.
The NCCP core competency, Leading, aligns seamlessly with my leadership philosophy. Authentic leadership, as exemplified by Leading, entails fostering genuine connections with team members, guiding them through mentorship, and subsequently leading towards collective success. Effective communication, characterized by transparent conversations and active listening, underpins successful leadership.
A significant aspect of Leading is realizing that leadership is not merely about making decisions but creating an environment where decisions are shared, encouraging empowerment and accountability within the team. This realization has prompted me to reconsider my approach, paving the way for more inclusive decision-making processes.
Interacting with my Mentor: Mentorship has been an incredibly enriching experience for me. Not only am I acquiring a wealth of knowledge and skills from my mentor, but I am also learning the art of guiding and leading others. My mentor serves as a renowned example of a leader who listens attentively, motivates me to excel, and empowers me to become more self-sufficient. This dynamic mentorship relationship is a two-way street where I absorb valuable insights and, in turn, get to witness the art of nurturing potential.
What sets this mentorship apart is its emphasis on practical application. It is not just about theoretical knowledge; it is about taking what I have learned and applying it immediately. My mentor instills a desire to explore, discover, and innovate, but more importantly, they guide me in translating these discoveries into real-world applications. This hands-on approach not only fuels my curiosity but also ensures that my newfound knowledge has a meaningful impact, making the learning journey both fulfilling and impactful. Mentorship, in this context, is not just about personal growth but also about becoming a leader who can inspire and guide others toward their own achievements.
Crafting an Action Plan: With insights gleaned from the LPI assessment and reflections on Leading, I have devised an action plan to amplify my leadership impact, that I have already added to my YTP:
- Empowerment and Engagement:
- Focus on enabling team members to play a more active role in decision-making.
- Encourage their contributions, valuing diverse perspectives.
- Foster an environment where shared responsibility is nurtured.
- Recognition and Encouragement:
- Regularly acknowledge individual and collective achievements.
- Celebrate successes using a variety of platforms, from team meetings to informal gatherings.
- Promote a culture of positivity and affirmation.
- Open Communication:
- Establish open channels of communication for transparent dialogue.
- Embrace feedback and create opportunities for constructive discussions.
- Address concerns promptly, fostering a sense of trust.
References
Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2013). LPI: Leadership practices inventory workbook (4th ed.). Pfeiffer.
Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. Z. (2017). The leadership challenge (6th ed.). John Wiley & Sons.