Some great leadership quotes

“For too many of us, it’s become safer to retreat into our own bubbles, whether in our neighbourhoods, or our social media feeds, surrounded by people who like us and share the same political outlook and never challenge our assumptions…and increasingly, we become so secure in our bubbles that we accept only information, whether true or not that fits our opinions, instead of basing our opinions on the evidence that is out there.”
Barack Obama’s Final speech as US President
 
Being your best more of the time
“We all have down times and up times and it is important that we give ourselves permission to have those down times. But the best leaders are able to be at their best more often because they reflect on it, then they apply what they are learning in a more consistent way. Reducing variation within our own leadership, that is a great skill. Outstanding leaders aren’t necessarily better leaders than the rest of us, they just operate at their best more often”.
Steve Munby - 'Imperfect Leadership'
 
Encourage others to step up. You don’t have to be the finished product to step up. Encourage others to take risks for them to authentic? People will want to follow you if you are genuine and honest, and demonstrate you know what you are doing. They will forgive you if you admit your mistakes rather than cover up or blame others. Admit you make mistakes.
Steve Munby - 'Imperfect Leadership'

What knowledge, experiences and skills do I have that makes me an effective leader? What are the gaps?

What do I think others want and expect of me as a leader? How do I know? Am I happy with that?

How strongly do I believe in myself as a leader? Do I have a healthy balance between confidence and humility?

How do my traits work for and against me as a leader? What are my default modes? Why do I sometimes end up behaving in a way that I regret afterwards? How might I adapt or change my default modes to make me even more effective?

What motivates me about leadership? What are my drivers and how does that effect my behaviour and how I feel about myself? Making a difference? Achievement? Ambition? Status and power? Income for my family? Not being a failure? Need to be liked?

You must always have a balance of fearing of failure, plus a desire to excel
 
Imperfect leaders are learners who learn from mistakes.

Employ people who are better than you

It’s not about you

Empower your team

Be invitational - ask for help, and be prepared to admit it. Builds collective ownership and responsibility.

If you are new in your role, include others as you form your vision. 'Santorini in the mist'...we had to wait for the mist to clear. I have a misty vision, working together to get the clarity.

Invitational leadership leads to better solutions

If out of your depth, ask for help

Choose mentors who have expertise that you don’t have. The more I’m in the role, the more I need a mentor, because you are too close to the role. Avoid group think

(Notes taken in Shanghai)