Every Day Leadership: The Power of Challenging Assumptions

Leaders, Challenge Your Assumptions Every Day

Have you ever stopped to consider how much of what we believe is based on assumptions? I recently stumbled across a rather curious tale about elephants being airlifted. The story suggests that these magnificent creatures are transported alongside small chicks, standing still out of fear of harming them. Now, that sounds lovely, doesn’t it? A beautiful image of compassion, right? But as you might have guessed, there’s more to it.

After digging a little deeper, someone quickly debunked this heartwarming narrative, revealing that elephants are actually sedated during airlifts. This begs a fascinating question: would you rather cling to that lovely story of empathy and care, or would you prefer the stark reality? This inclination towards either perspective reveals a great deal about your leadership style.

What Do Your Assumptions Say About You?

In leadership, our beliefs often shape our actions. Do we embrace idealism, favouring narratives that inspire? Or do we lean towards pragmatism, where cold hard facts take centre stage? As someone who has explored various leadership styles, I can tell you that both approaches hold significant value.

The delicate dance between empathy and reality is at the core of effective leadership. If we’re too wrapped up in what makes us feel good, we risk making decisions that don’t truly serve our teams or our mission. But if we focus strictly on the figures and the facts, we may overlook the emotional undercurrents that drive and motivate our people.

At City Skills, we’ve made it our mission to find that sweet spot. We encourage leaders to challenge their assumptions daily. Are we truly listening to our team members? Are we open to different perspectives and feedback, even when it contradicts our long-held beliefs? When leaders challenge their assumptions, they foster a culture of innovation and learning.

Why Challenge Your Assumptions?

Now you might be thinking, why should I bother? Well, let’s break it down. When assumptions go unchecked, they create a narrow view of the world. This can lead to stagnation in thought and ultimately, in performance. On the other hand, when you challenge your assumptions, you open the door to new ideas and possibilities.

• Promote Growth: Encouraging a culture where questioning is welcomed nurtures creativity across the board.
• Drive Engagement: When your team knows their thoughts matter, engagement soars.
• Enhance Problem Solving: Diverse viewpoints create a richer pool of ideas, leading to better solutions.

Have you ever caught yourself missing out on a great idea simply because it didn’t fit your preconceived notions? I certainly have. One memorable moment was when a junior team member proposed an idea that seemed completely off the wall. Instead of dismissing it outright, I took a moment to explore their thought process. To my surprise, that idea led us to a breakthrough in a project!

How Can You Implement This in Your Daily Practice?

The good news is challenging your assumptions doesn’t need to be a monumental task. Start small. Set aside a few minutes at the beginning or end of your day to reflect on the decisions you’ve made recently. Ask yourself: what assumptions did I base those decisions on? What if I questioned those assumptions instead?

Furthermore, engage your team in discussions about their views. When you ask open-ended questions, you’re not only encouraging dialogue but also paving the way for new insights that may have been overlooked.

In this dynamic world of leadership, remember that it’s okay to be wrong. Embracing that vulnerability will not only make you a more effective leader, but it’ll also create an environment where everyone feels valued and safe enough to share their thoughts openly.

Final Thoughts

So here’s my challenge to you: how will you challenge your assumptions today? Are you prepared to step outside the confines of your own perspective and engage with new ideas? Taking that leap may just lead to your next big breakthrough.

Let’s keep the conversation going. How do you navigate the balance between idealism and pragmatism in your leadership journey? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

#CitySkills #Leadership #Empathy