MICRO-PRACTICES TO HELP YOU BECOME A GREAT LEADER AND LEARN TO LEAD FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Abstract

The authors, all senior partners at McKinsey & Company, concluded in working with many leaders that there was a need for greater self-awareness and self-reflection. The article, and a recent book from which it is adapted, is based on “a step-by-step approach for leaders to reinvent themselves both professionally and personally.” The starting point revolves around “three dimensions: leading yourself, leading individuals and teams, and leading organizations.” Each dimension lists and describes various “micro-practices.” Within the first dimension, in their words, are, in their words, put being before doing; pause for productive reflection and solitude; seek and embrace feedback from others; keep learning; and embrace optimism; in dimension two; be attentive; foster learning and growth; give feedback; build confidence and an ownership mindset on your team; and celebrate the big things and little things; in dimension three; reinforce values and purpose; master clear communication; be a role model for the rest of the organization; build capabilities and promote continuous learning; and engage stakeholders. “Leadership is now all about personal change,” they conclude, “about being the change you want to see in the world, and then inspiring others to follow.”