Small Changes Over Time Could Mean Big Changes For Your Leadership In 2023
Have you heard the saying “Small actions create big changes”?
That’s my wish for you. To take small actions over time to create big changes in your interpersonal skills as a leader in 2023.
In a meta-analysis of thousands of studies about corporate culture and the top factors that best predict toxic behavior in the workplace, guess what the top predictor of a toxic culture was?
Drum roll …. The answer: How leaders behave.
Leadership behaviors consistently emerged as the best predictor of toxic culture.
I think it’s a safe bet that you’re looking for ways to create a healthy culture, not a toxic one.
The reality is leaders can’t create healthy cultures unless they are willing to hold themselves and their colleagues accountable for toxic behavior.
As you well know, leaders set the example of how people behave that trickles down from the top executive team to the microculture of each team in the organization.
Your opportunity should you choose to accept it:
Last week I asked you, “Who do you aspire to be during difficult conversations in 2023?”
Building on that question, what are small changes you intend to make throughout 2023 to create big improvements in your leadership?
Here are some examples:
- Address conflict sooner rather than later
- Be aware of “What’s it like to be on the other side of me?” and make necessary adjustments to improve relationships with your team members.
- Stay in the tension of difficult conversations by asking “How/What” questions to better understand other’s point of view.
- Avoid sarcasm and speak directly about a problem
- Listen to understand fully before problem-solving
As the master painter Vincent Van Gogh said, “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”
Leave a comment below and let me know what small changes you intend to make over time that lead to big improvements in your leadership in 2023…and create a healthy work culture.
About the author
Bonnie Artman Fox, MS, LMFT works with executive leaders who want to gain self-awareness about the impact of their words and actions and up-level their interpersonal skills.
Drawing from decades as a psychiatric nurse and licensed family therapist, Bonnie brings a unique perspective to equip executive leaders with the roadmap to emotional intelligence that brings teams together.
Bonnie’s leadership Turnaround coaching program has an 82% success rate in guiding leaders to replace abrasive behavior with tact, empathy, and consideration of others. The end result is a happy, healthy, and profitable workplace…sooner vs. later.