The 4 killer questions I bet no-one's ever asked you! Why trust (and kindness) is the bedrock of today's successful senior leadership.

Two senior leadership teams, both operating at the highest level:

Someone in Team 1 is struggling with imposter syndrome, using it as an excuse for their leadership weaknesses and disrupting the balance of the whole Exec Team.

A member of Team 2 is also dealing with internal struggles - as, let's be honest, we all can. However, this team has the psychological safety to share its weaknesses and to work together, focusing on its strengths and positives.

You don't need me to tell you that Team 2 and its leaders within feel more empowered, effective and happier.

So what's the secret?

Trust. Plain and simple. And as a senior leader, it starts with you. If you trust and rate yourself, your team will trust you too.*

Now, more than ever, being clear on your strengths is your superpower for resilience and energy - and this starts by trusting yourself.

Try this - my Trust Framework Check-In Tool from The Real Method™ programme: four simple yet impactful questions that I'm willing to bet no one has ever asked you and that you probably haven't thought to ask yourself...until now!

Rate each of these questions on a scale of 1-10 (excluding 7, as it is a distractor). Be honest - no-one's looking over your shoulder, and ask yourself:

• Do I like myself?
• Do I rate myself?
• Am I looking after myself?
• Am I being kind to myself?

A score of 6 or below on each question indicates a lack of trust in yourself. But don't worry, you are most definitely not alone!

I use this framework regularly with senior clients and I introduced it during my presentation at the recent Worldwide Partners Symposium in Athens - because I know that, regardless of how 'successful' a leader may appear to the outside world, these questions often serve as a powerful wake-up call, triggering the necessity for change, now more than ever.

As we approach the end of 2023, as uncertainty and stress levels continue to be exceptionally high, it becomes even more crucial to trust ourselves and others while also practising kindness. It's disheartening (but not surprising) to learn from Deloitte's Well-Being at Work survey that 75% of C-suite executives are seriously contemplating quitting their jobs. What an absolute waste of talent!

During such stressful times, what can you do as a leader to give your Exec Team a safe, structured space with the time and energy to truly flourish, succeed and strengthen your individual and collective trust?

"Real honesty in the room...that is leading us to make bigger conversations and better decisions”

Neil Williamson, CEO, Jardine Motors Group

If you want to tackle 2024 with renewed energy, my highly effective Leadership Development Away Days will bring your key people together to align, unify and excel. Ideally sitting alongside bespoke 1:1 leadership mentoring, these opportunities are tailored to your team's needs with the objective of accelerating high-performance growth, especially in high-stakes situations. Your team will leave with a clear, shared action plan and a proven emotional and practical toolkit ready to put to immediate effect. They'll also have a lot of fun! To find out more about my Away Days, get in touch. 

And Finally...

I’ve recently been applying for awards that inspire me and that I genuinely believe in. One of these is the Women In Marketing Awards in the Change Maker of the Year 2023 category and I’m beyond proud to be shortlisted, joining an incredible shortlist of inspirational leaders from across the industry. If you typically shy away from entering awards like this, I can heartily recommend it as an exercise in reflecting on the progress of your business - your goals, achievements and growth. All will be revealed on November 16th, so fingers crossed - and good luck to my fellow nominees!

Have a great weekend - and be kind to yourself! Cheers

Sally

* check out what the excellent Marcus Buckingham has to say in his short video 'The Best Managers Begin with Trust'.

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