Attitude and perspective dictates most things in life, especially when it comes to leadership.  This is why I love talking about leadership because everything begins and ends with leadership.  However, our thought process determines how we lead.  We cannot lead anything well if we cannot first lead ourselves.

Here are 3 thought processes that successful leaders have to help them lead effectively.

1. Think the best before thinking the worst.

Are you guilty of “stinky thinking?”  The way we talk to ourselves influences every aspect of our lives.  Many people are unaware of their internal conversation.  An unhealthy internal dialogue can be extremely limiting.  We can be our own worst enemy at times.  A big part of a leader’s thought process is the ability to think the best before thinking the worst.

You would be surprised to know that many of our negative thoughts are common across the board.  One of the reasons why they are common is because they are used frequently and are passed down from generations to generations.  Phrases such as I can’t, I’m not good enough, nobody cares, and many more are conversations that are self-limiting.

A quick solution for this is to replace any negative thought or phrase with a positive one.  For an example, instead of saying ‘I can’t do’ say ‘I can do whatever I put my mind to.’  If you don’t think the best of yourself, no on else will.  It will also make it hard for you to think the best of anyone else.

2. Relationships trump expertise.

Every effective leader knows the key to their leadership being successful is totally dependent on their ability to build relationships.  A person only focused on being expert in their technical skills will lack the ability to build solid relationships.  This type of thought process will limit their success as a leader.  It doesn’t mean they will not be successful, but it will limit their success. 

The best option is to be or add people to your network that are great relationship builders with exceptional expertise.  Relationships help to inspire and motivate those around you.  Treating people as people and not as a number will build depth in relationships.  As leaders, we have to see the value in every person in our space and communicate well with them.  This will ultimately enhance your leadership skills, but it is also a healthy leadership thought process.

3. Enjoy the journey over the destination.

The best leaders are visionaries, but they understand the journey is more important than the destination.  These leaders are able to see things coming before they actually happen.  However, these leaders are highly successful because of their ability to be in the moment.

A goal is never achieved without action steps or consistent, intentional effort.  The thought process of an effective leader is to keep his or her eyes on the final goal, but more importantly it is to make incremental progress.  Without the journey, one will never reach their destination.  This is why I love the famous Chinese proverb that says, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Leaders are intentional with their thought process.  The success of any leader is only as great as their though process.  Don’t limit your success as a leader.  Make the most of your leadership by thinking the best. 

We touched on a few dynamic ways of impacting your leadership, but what are some other thought processes that great leaders have?  Please leave a comment below or email me directly.

Bryant 

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