When I meet people and they find out I’m a professional development and executive coach, the conversation inevitably turns to a boss or co-worker they want to change. They will say, “My boss does this. How can I change him”? or “How can I get someone to stop doing such and such”? Too many times, we want to focus on changing someone else and their actions.
Ask yourself, what is truly in your span of control? Ghandi is famous for his quote “We must become the change we want to see.” We are quick to want to change others. But while we can suggest, cajole, or entice someone to change, we don’t control the ultimate outcome – - they do.
So the next time you are pointing the finger at someone else’s leadership style, remember the old adage of how many fingers are pointing back at you. Develop YOUR leadership skills, and be the leader you want everyone else to be. You’ll be amazed at how many workers are just looking for someone of substance, character and integrity to follow and emulate. You will create change in others by focusing on your own personal change first.
