As a leader, saying I am sorry is your responsibility. It helps healing and looking forward, it gives perspective, it makes you human.
It is also your responsibility to not make of I am sorry an empty sentence. If you find yourselves saying that too often, as a reaction to the same situations, it should be clear it is time for you for a change.
Find something that makes you happy and stick to it.
Figure out what gives you energy and double down on it.
Understand what gives you a sense of accomplishment and do that consistently.
Notice what puts a smile on your face and expand that until it fills most of your days.
The alternative is a spiral of negativity that will be every day more difficult to escape.
Do not go there.
Prepare the ground for your team to shine.
Ask them. Even better, listen to them. Watch them and understand them. Then, set out to do what leaders are responsible for.
Your success is measured by the success of those that call you boss.
Good job! is not feedback.
I like how you handled the situation is not feedback.
We are hiring somebody to support you is not feedback.
Performance reviews are not feedback.
The truth is, we rarely get feedback we can work with. And part of the reason is that we probably don’t like it.
We need to be asking for feedback regularly and with intent. What do you want to know? What could help you on your path? What do you feel is important to you at this stage?
Feedback is not going to happen otherwise.
It’s not the next big thing. It’s not the role you want. It’s not the company you’d love to work for. It’s not the next 1,000 or 1,000,000 euros. It’s not the year that is starting soon or the new season.
For as much as having goals and ambitions can be fuel for your doing, make sure that does not get you burnt while you are seeking peace of mind.
In the end, it’s simply what you have here and now.
Get used to it.
You've got this 