5 Mindsets That Kill Leadership Development

Undoubtedly, leading people is the most complex and challenging facet of leadership. A leader’s mindset might be one of the greatest predictors of success and also one of the most elusive elements to pin down. Leadership happens in the nuanced shifts that occur first in the leader’s mind.

You’ve probably read about, or attended seminars or training sessions, regarding leadership models that make you a great leader. You may have even tried applying them in your organization. But rarely do we discuss mindsets that affect your leadership and plateau in their development.

Here are five mindsets that could destroy your leadership potential and abilities.

1. We’ve Always Done it that Way!

Yes, that may be true, and it may have worked in the past, but the world is very different now from the time a lot of your current systems were introduced. So, when you hear yourself say this, think about whether the fact it’s always been done that way means it should always be done that way in the future

2. My Way is the Best Way!

It could be true, but what if someone else had ideas that post-date yours? Does that mean they are wrong? Instead, become curious and check out if some other way may actually be better than yours!

3. I’m the Boss?

In today’s working environment, old-age management techniques seldom work, and this idea that people still work for us can stifle and strangle your leadership opportunities. Instead, people work with us and that mindset can make a huge difference in the way we gain people’s commitment.

4. I Don’t Need to Develop Leaders!

The potential of your organization rests on the strength of its leaders. Look at yourself and your team. If you are serious about becoming the best leader you can be, your growth and development has to take center stage. Having the attitude ‘I know everything I need to know’ can kill off any chances of progression within a business.

People grow best “in the game.” Don’t create a separate “growth” track or course for a subset of leaders; your whole organization should be on a growth track. Growing leaders is not a program. It’s part of a healthy culture.

5. We Tried That Already and It Didn’t Work!

When companies attempt new ideas or when they try to do things in different ways, they risk failure. And, failure is scary. However, failure is necessary for progress and innovation. Leaders with a fear of failure may avoid taking risks or making decisions, hindering their ability to innovate and adapt. They might also shy away from challenging situations, preventing them from developing essential leadership skills.

Leadership is not just about directing and managing a team; it’s also about cultivating the right mindset to inspire and empower others. As you lead, be on the lookout for these five forces trying to hold you back. As a leader, it is crucial to understand the concept of mindset shifts and how they can greatly impact your effectiveness and success.

Lean Quote: Focus on What is Right with People Instead of What is Wrong with Them

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"What would happen if we studied what is right with people instead of focusing on what is wrong with them?"  — Don Clifton

This powerful quote challenges the traditional paradigm of identifying and fixing human weaknesses, urging us to redirect our attention towards understanding and cultivating strengths. By adopting a positive and proactive approach to human development, we can unlock untapped potential.

Throughout our lives, we are conditioned to identify and address our shortcomings. From childhood, educational systems, and even workplaces, the emphasis is often placed on overcoming weaknesses rather than nurturing strengths. However, this deficit-focused mindset can have detrimental effects on our self-esteem, motivation, and overall well-being. Don Clifton challenges this prevailing narrative by proposing a fundamental shift in our perspective—one that prioritizes recognizing and harnessing strengths instead of obsessing over deficiencies.

Every individual possesses a unique set of talents, skills, and qualities that, when identified and nurtured, can pave the way for personal fulfillment and success. By studying what is right with people, we unveil a realm of untapped potential and empower individuals to thrive. A strengths-based approach encourages us to focus on the positive attributes and capabilities individuals bring to the table, promoting self-confidence, engagement, and resilience.

When we shift our attention to understanding and developing strengths, we create an environment that fosters personal growth and unleashes untapped potential. By recognizing and amplifying what individuals excel at, we enable them to shine and make meaningful contributions to their communities and organizations. This approach not only enhances individual performance but also cultivates a sense of purpose and fulfillment, driving higher levels of motivation and productivity.

Don Clifton's quote encourages us to shift our focus from what is wrong with people to what is right with them. By adopting a strengths-based perspective, we unlock the vast potential within individuals, teams, and organizations. This approach fosters personal growth, inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation. We must embrace the power of studying what is right with people, as it is through recognizing and nurturing strengths that we can create a brighter and more prosperous future for all.

Lean Roundup #188 – January 2025

A selection of highlighted blog posts from Lean bloggers from the month of January 2025.  You can also view the previous monthly Lean Roundups here.  

 

Starting the New Year with Global Leadership Resolutions: Building a Foundation of Psychological Safety – Mark Graban says if we aim to build a Lean culture, it must rest on a foundation of Psychological Safety where people generally feel safe speaking up about problems, sharing ideas, and experimenting without fear of retribution.

 

The Power of Visual Management – Transforming Workspaces and Mindsets – Alen Ganic explains visual management is more than just a tool—it’s a mindset; by making tasks and progress visible, we reduce waste, improve efficiency, and foster continuous improvement in both professional and personal environments.

 

Optimizing Continuous Quality Improvement: Essential Tools and Strategies for Success – Maggie Millard says organizations can reach their full potential in the pursuit of excellence through continuous quality improvement by embracing the principles and tools of incremental change, respect for people, clear goals, and structured methodologies,

 

Why Gemba Walks Matter & How to Make Them Work – Kade Johnson shares 11 steps you can take to ensure that your next Gemba walk is successful.

 

Kaizen: Hoshin Kanri, Bowler Charts, Action Plans, and More – Christoph Roser describes the big picture of kaizen improvement involving True North direction, overarching targets of hoshin kanri, practical problem solving, and action plans to make actual improvements.

 

Japan Study Trip Highlights: November 2024 – Katie Anderson shares another incredible immersive learning experience from 6^th cohort of the Japan Study leadership program from November 2024.

 

Steve Jobs on Quality and Juran – Christopher R Chapman shares video of the late, great Steve Jobs, where he was interviewed about the influence Dr. Joseph Juran had on his thinking about quality.

 

Building a Resilient Business with Hoshin Kanri and Problem Solving : A Conversation with Grand Rapids Chair CEO Geoff Miller – Geoff Miller and Mark Reich shares insights on building resilience through hoshin kanri and daily problem-solving to transform culture and performance.

 

Safety First: GE Aerospace’s Lynn Facility Demonstrates True Lean Leadership – Mark Graban shared GE Aerospace's Lynn, MA, facility which provided an inspiring example of what respecting people, empowering people, and ensuring their well-being while driving continuous improvement.

Recognized in Top 25 Leadership Blogs

Of course, no one writes these articles on these blogs for awards but occasionally you get recognition for your contributions. FeedSpot recently convened a panel to select the Top100 Leadership Blogs on the web. Chosen from the thousands of blogs on the web and ranked by relevancy, authority, social media followers & freshness.

I was ranked in the Top 25. 

A great honor.

Here are some Noteworthy Recognitions:

Who are the best quality management experts to follow? December 21,2020 #3

19 Lean Blogs for Beginners and Practitioners Worth Reading March 8, 2019 #1

Top 20 Lean Manufacturing RSS Feeds updated December 22, 2020 #3

Every Lean Enthusiast Needs To Know These 5 Blogs March 2, 2016 #2

Lean Quote: I Never Lose. I Either Win or Learn

On Fridays I will post a Lean related Quote. Throughout our lifetimes many people touch our lives and leave us with words of wisdom. These can both be a source of new learning and also a point to pause and reflect upon lessons we have learned. Within Lean active learning is an important aspect on this journey because without learning we can not improve.

"I never lose. I either win or learn."  — Nelson Mandela

The quote "I never lose. I either win or learn" is an empowering statement that frames the concept of failure in a new, more positive light. This phrase, often attributed to Nelson Mandela, encapsulates a philosophy that transcends the conventional understanding of winning and losing, turning every outcome into an opportunity for growth.

At its core, the quote "I never lose. I either win or learn" is about redefining failure. Traditionally, society tends to view success and failure in binary terms: you either win or lose. However, this perspective can be limiting and detrimental to personal growth. The statement challenges this binary thinking by suggesting that there is value in every outcome, including those that are initially perceived as failures.

To "win" means to succeed in achieving one's goals, which is universally understood and celebrated. To "learn," however, introduces the idea that even when our goals are not met, there is an inherent value in the experience – the acquisition of new knowledge, insights, or skills. This learning process is what transforms a perceived loss into a constructive and valuable experience.

Adopting this mindset offers numerous benefits:

1. Resilience: By viewing setbacks as learning opportunities, individuals develop resilience, enabling them to bounce back from challenges more effectively.
2. Growth Mindset: This perspective fosters a growth mindset, where abilities and intelligence are seen as qualities that can be developed through dedication and hard work.
3. Reduced Fear of Failure: Demystifying failure and viewing it as a part of the learning process reduces anxiety and fear, encouraging more innovative and bold life choices.
4. Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills: Learning from "losses" improves one's ability to tackle future challenges, leading to better problem-solving skills.

Sometimes we’re going to struggle. That is part of life. And yet, we always have a choice of how we respond. When you embrace a growth mindset, you know you can always improve and ask yourself questions to further that process. Questions like: What are my options? How can I move forward? What are my lessons learned? And finally, how can I make this year better than it was before?

Lean Tips Edition #310 (#3676 - #3690)

For my Facebook fans you already know about this great feature. But for those of you that are not connected to A Lean Journey on Facebook or Twitter I post daily a feature I call Lean Tips.  It is meant to be advice, things I learned from experience, and some knowledge tidbits about Lean to help you along your journey.  Another great reason to like A Lean Journey on Facebook.

Click this link for A Lean Journey's Facebook Page Notes Feed.

Here is the next addition of tips from the Facebook page:

Lean Tip #3676 – Ensure Your Goals Are Aligning with Reality

The end of each year is prime time for self-reflection. Take stock of your goals for your business and ensure they align with where your business is heading. Filtering everything you do through the lens of what's important to you will ensure your company is always fulfilling its goals.

Lean Tip #3677 – Self-Reflection Only Works if You Are Honest About Why You Are Reflecting

Be specific about why you are reflecting in the first place. Self-reflection is a great tactic to use if you want to be honest with yourself about what has worked in the past year and what hasn't, but it can only truly work if you know what you're looking for. For me, lists help in a big way. I write down things I want to reflect on and I find that I get the most productive results.

Lean Tip #3678 – Think About Meaning and Lessons Learned from Reflection

Make a list of things you have done wrong and the things you did right. Also list down the important people you met, the different places you visited, challenges you faced and other such important things from the past year of your life. Now spend some time thinking about what these events meant to you and what you learned from them. I do this every year and it helps me gain a lot of clarity.

Lean Tip #3679 – When Reflecting Ask Others For Their Help and Opinions

Ask for brutally honest opinions. It is important that you review your process yourself, but many times we miss a lot of things, which is why I always ask my employees, friends or anyone with an objective opinion so I can understand different points of view. From this survey, I can see the landscape of a long period of time more broadly and thus make better decisions to improve in the future.

Lean Tip #3680 – Be Honest with Yourself to Find Areas for Improvement

If you want to get the most out of your reflection time, I suggest looking for patterns in your behavior. Be objective and honest. Look at what worked and what didn’t. Don’t beat yourself up on the negatives and don’t get too proud of the positives. I believe that identifying patterns is the best way to find areas for opportunity and improve on what you're doing right. Then set goals based on objective evaluations for the following year.

Lean Tip #3681 – Visualize Success to Achieve Your Goals

To achieve your goals, you need to know what success looks like. Visualization is a practice that helps you imagine the results you want to achieve as if you’ve already accomplished them. It involves using all your senses to train your brain to get familiar with the experience of reaching your goal. 

One way you can do this is by creating a personal vision statement, which is a statement that describes your personal values and goals.

Visualizing success in this way can help motivate you to clarify exactly what it is that you’re after and continue progressing toward it. It can also help you build confidence that your goal is within reach.

Lean Tip #3682 – Outline Your Goal’s Action Plan

Because goals are often long-term and abstract by nature, it can be helpful to break them down into simpler steps that demonstrate ongoing progress. Continued effort toward little goals can feel easier because you consistently reach milestones and can celebrate small wins.

To make an action plan, try creating a “goal ladder.” This life-planning process involves writing your main goal at the top rung of the “ladder” and making each of your smaller goals “rungs” that lead to your main goal.

It can also be helpful to make a to-do list and actively check off each step you complete for a greater sense of accomplishment. Adding due dates for each individual step can also help you stay on track.

Lean Tip #3683 – Set a Timeline to Achieve Your Goals

Having a timeline for your goals helps you focus, plan, and track progress, all of which are necessary to achieve your desired outcomes. It’s critical that you keep your timeline realistic when setting goals for success.

Be sure you also consider factors like upcoming work projects that might require late hours, travel plans, or competing goals when setting a timeline. This will help you develop better deadlines that accurately reflect your current lifestyle and priorities.

Lean Tip #3684 – Identify Potential Obstacles to Achieve Your Goals

Being realistic in your goal setting also means accounting for challenges you may encounter. These obstacles could be due to a shortage of resources, unexpected life events, or the actions of others. Whatever the case, you’ll likely run into roadblocks.

Make a list of potential barriers that could arise in your journey, and consider ways you might mitigate them if they appear. Being aware of potential obstacles will make them less intimidating if they appear along your path to success. 

Lean Tip #3685 – Find an Accountability Partner or Support System to Accomplish your Goals

Trying to accomplish a goal entirely by yourself can be lonely and overwhelming. It can be hard to stay motivated, especially if our goals span a longer period of time. When we get discouraged or feel like we’re not making progress, it can help to have a support system in place to keep us on track. Accountability helps you make consistent, steady progress and keeps you striving toward your goals.

Think about the people in your life who can encourage, motivate or hold you accountable. Recruit them to be part of your support system and lean on them when you’re in need of encouragement. Spending time with people who are supportive of our goals and are willing to help us overcome challenges can make all the difference.

Lean Tip #3686 – Keep Calm – Don't Panic or Jump to Conclusions! Start by Writing a Problem Statement

It’s important not to panic or rush into making quick decisions when faced with a significant problem. Take some time to think about the problem and the options that are available to you. Although it can be tempting to do so, it’s important not to jump to conclusions when faced with an unexpected problem. No matter how confident you might feel, ensure that you have hard facts and evidence to support your assumptions before taking any action. You might find it helpful to put your initial thoughts down on paper and/or chat through your thinking with a colleague.

One of the most straightforward but effective ways to start tackling a problem is to write a short statement about it, underlining key words. Make sure the language you use is clear and unambiguous and try to be as specific as possible (e.g. ‘our IT system is no longer suitable for the volume of work in our team’). Writing the problem down in this way can help you to pinpoint what the core issues really are.

Lean Tip #3687 – Consider Different Perspectives When Problem Solving

It’s good practice to consider the problem from a range of different perspectives, particularly those of the individuals who the problem affects. Depending on the situation, this could include team members, suppliers or customers. Considering the problem from these different angles can help you identify effective solutions that you may not otherwise have thought of.

It can often be helpful to explain the problem to your front-line manager and discuss the various solutions you’re considering. Equally, if you have a trusted colleague or friend who might be able to help you solve the problem (e.g. because of their background, experience or network) it can be useful to ask for their advice. When you do this, however, it’s important not to reveal any sensitive or confidential information to the other person.

Lean Tip #3688 – Problem Solving Solutions Often Need Creativity

Don’t be afraid to consider new or even unusual solutions to your problem. If you have evidence to suggest that making changes to working practices or technology will prove beneficial, you should put forward a case for this and, if necessary, present it to the relevant individuals (e.g. your line manager or the senior team). If there is a cost attached to your proposed change, you should provide the necessary evidence to highlight what the overall cost saving and/or other benefits would be if your solution were to be implemented.

Lean Tip #3689 – Be Aware of Problem Solving Bias

Our biases can distort the way in which we perceive reality. Biases that can typically prevent us from solving problems effectively are:

·        Confirmation bias. This is the tendency to seek and choose solutions that fit with a preconceived idea of how the problem should be solved.

·        Overconfidence bias. This is when an insufficient range of options is identified, or when the chosen solution is not measured against factual information, because of our confidence in our own judgment.

·        The halo effect. This leads us to make assumptions about others based on a single trait we have witnessed (e.g. ‘she is always cheerful and friendly, so she can’t have caused this problem).

·        The bandwagon effect. This compels us to take the same course of action that others have taken.

One of the most effective ways to avoid these biases is to be aware of them. However, if you feel as though your view of a problem or the solutions available is being distorted by one of these biases, it can be helpful to ask a colleague or friend to review the situation from their perspective.

Lean Tip #3690 – Problem Solving Requires Perseverance

Don’t be disheartened if you’re unable to solve the problem as quickly as you would like to. Taking your time to find the right solution, when you can, is always preferable to jumping to conclusions or rushing into making decisions. Remember to keep those who need to know (e.g. your team members or line manager) updated in terms of your progress, and to manage their expectations throughout the problem-solving process.

Once your problem is finally solved, take some time to reflect on which aspects of your approach worked, and what you would do differently next time. You may be able to apply some new approaches the next time a problem arises.

7 Leadership Lessons from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today we celebrate and recognize the life and achievement of Martin Luther King Jr. MLK as they say was an American pastor, activist, humanitarian, and leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using nonviolent civil disobedience based on his Christian beliefs.

In times of challenge and controversy, it is the leaders in our lives that we look to for guidance. It is the voices that motivate and inspire us that we turn to for help. And during the 1960s Civil Rights Movement, there was one particularly important man whom people and activists alike aspired to. A man whose determination and vision made him one of the greatest leaders and orators in American history.

In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. today, here are four leadership lessons we can learn from MLK.

1. Know Your Cause.

One of the most important lessons to be learned from Dr. King is to always know the why behind what you’re doing. Part of what made the “I Have a Dream” speech so inspirational was that it painted a picture of what Dr. King saw for the future. Everything he was doing was in the name of achieving that vision.

2. Articulate a Powerful Vision.

Leaders communicate a concrete vision of the future with a clear call to action to inspire others to get there. People want to follow someone who they know is going somewhere. People do not follow leaders who don't care about their values, their wants and needs, or the hopes and aspirations of those in the organization.

3. Embrace Fear.

A good leader doesn’t have to be fearless – they only have to be willing to face their fear. Journalist Robert Ellis Smith revealed that King often felt scared or worried before a speech that he would be misunderstood or met with violent protests, but he always carried on. He told Smith, “If you are not anxious, you are not engaged.”

4. Get People Involved.

Making a difference is a team effort. Without the communities and audiences he inspired, Dr. King’s words would never have had the impact they did. He did more than just be heard – he asked people to join him. People want to be a part of something special and he inspired them to be involved in something bigger than themselves.

5. Challenge the Status Quo

Excellent leaders simply are not passive; they are active. They will challenge the status quo and not settle for business as usual. When there's a major challenge facing your organization, you must step forward to initiate new methods of getting things done to solve problems and ignite innovation.

6. Demonstrate Faith in People

Wholeheartedly showing someone you believe in him is the simplest, most powerful thing you can do to bring out his best. Leaders have faith in not only in themselves but others. The authentic leader readily acknowledges the commitment and hard work of their followers. When times are tough, people need to know that their work matters. An excellent leader listens to the ideas of the followers and responds.

7. Persevere.

Achieving Dr. King’s dream was not an instant success. Throughout the Civil Rights Movement, King faced countless setbacks and moments of failure. He was arrested over 20 times, his house was bombed and set aflame, and he was even stabbed. But King never let these obstacles stand in his way. He had a dream and he was determined to see it through.

Great leaders set out to achieve what others deem impossible. Dr. King worked toward a better, freer and more equal world, in part because he could imagine it. The struggle for racial, gender, and other forms of equality is not over, but to continue down this path, we must believe there is a destination.