— To follow is a bullet of wisdom on leadership. It comes from Tom’s rifle, named Shot, who has seen it all. You’ll get the drift by clicking Blog in the menu at www.tomnewhouse.com. —
I AM NOT A KID. Give it to me straight. Don’t beat around the bush. You see, I am an old rifle and, although I know my strengths, I recognize that I still need to learn. I can get better.
Leaders too often think they have arrived—top stuff, you know. Or, they think that seeking a way to improve is a sign of weakness. If either is the case, they likely won’t get better. But leaders who want to improve seek feedback, they respond to it, they reflect on it, and they act on it. Get this: These behaviors work best when the leaders are confident in themselves and still exercise humility. Such leaders want the straight goods in a no-kidding fashion, and they are willing to be momentarily uncomfortable to get them.