Every leader has experienced ups and downs, peaks and valleys, wins and losses. They’ve faced white water rapids, calm seas and zero knots. Every successful leader has found a remedy for drift. Have you?
When this topic comes up with my coaching clients we discuss the importance of an honest evaluation. You see, drifting leaders rarely have an accurate picture of what’s happening to (or inside) them, so the highest priority is a proper assessment by a trusted colleague, mentor or, optimally, a qualified leadership coach.
A good assessment and evaluation offers observations, feedback and direction, allowing leaders to better grasp the reasons for drift. Coaches help in gaining insight into its causes and developing strategies to correct it. Regular assessments are beneficial to tracking progress, tuning areas of difficulty and determining when the desired improvements are achieved.
From No Go to Mojo
When leaders understand drift’s underlying issues, they can reclaim the passion they once had for their jobs. They’ll remember what fueled the beginning of their careers and identify the moment when the shift toward drift occurred. They’ll take stock of what they value and reassess what they want to do. Reevaluating career goals allows them to put drift in perspective and reestablish their purpose.
“Mojo is that positive spirit toward what we are doing now that starts from the inside and radiates to the outside.” ― Marshall Goldsmith
Remedy for Drift
If you want to generate energy and drive, you need self motivation. There are three ways to generate your energy and drive, and an acronym to help you remember is AWE:
- A = Autonomy: Establish control and self-determination.
- W = Why: Ask why this is important to you. Link tasks to meaningful values.
- E = Establish choice: Make a small decision, then act on it.
And remember:
- We achieve satisfaction only by applying ourselves.
- We fulfill our roles by serving and enhancing others, not ourselves.
- Drift won’t keep us safe or preserve our positions; rather, it drives our decline.
- We must catch and reverse any tendency to “check out” through continuous self-reflection and honesty.
Early detection is critical. Executive coaches have the tools to help leaders identify their susceptibilities and make corrections. Those who monitor their performance with an accountability system can successfully prevent, reverse and repair drift.
What do you think? What steps do you take to remedy leadership drift? I’d love to hear from you. You can call me at 561-582-6060, let’s talk. And as always, I can be reached here, or on LinkedIn.
