Subconsciously, you set your priorities based on what matters most to you.
That's why some leaders do the following:
- race around putting out fires, donning their superhero capes and reacting swiftly to the constant urgencies around them.
- pay close attention to whatever their senior leaders are paying close attention to, seemingly changing focus mid stream in a way that confuses other members of the team.
- efficiently work through tasks, checking off as many as possible without adequate time/attention to forethought, planning and quality control.
- immerse themselves in the easy functional work they mastered in previous roles as they moved up the ladder while neglecting the more strategic and people-development work better suited to their leadership role.
- offer solutions before fully understanding problems, without taking time to listen to diverse points of view and considering all the options.
The way people prioritize signals what they truly value.
Some may say they value members of their team, but fail to devote the time, attention and consideration that would prove that position.
Some may say they value innovation and creativity. You'll know that is true if they take risks and are unafraid to fail forward. You'll know it when they give permission to others to also experiment without fear of reprisal. Those who claim to value innovation but impede it with their zeal for checklists and efficiency will find themselves surrounded by people who are frustrated by the mixed messages.
If you are unclear about your true values, they cannot serve you as a guiding north star. Your priorities will be subject to the whims and will of others. Your credibility and leadership will be compromised until you get clarity about what matters most to you
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