In times like this, we need leaders who bring stability. In an earlier article, I shared a few ways to be a leader who stabilizes in the most tumultuous of times. And yet if stability provides a foundation, it most certainly isn’t the only thing our teams and organizations need over time.
Our organizations need catalytic leaders. These leaders carry a unique ability to increase the intensity and in organizational terms, create and maintain momentum.
The following are powerful ways to function as a catalytic leader:
Dream About the Future
Step away from the present and reflect on the future. It could be a performance metric to pursue in the year to come, a fresh vision for the years to come, or a leadership transition in the next decade. When we stop to think of a moment off in the distance, we flex our prefrontal cortexes and doorways open for the catalyst within us to walk through. When you think of a moment way off in the distance, what do you want it to look like? Based on that “future memory,” what steps can we take this week to help shape that vision into reality?
Share Stories
Share the stories that have shaped the way you’re leading (whether well or poorly) or thinking through a challenge or opportunity. Stories from your childhood or your career have a powerful way of both connecting and directing. Most people are starved for communication from their leaders and organizations. Sharing from books and mentors that are shaping decisions go a long way in stirring others to become catalysts within the organization as well.
Ask Questions
There’s little that catalyzes a conversation better than a great question. Recently, one of our leaders has been asking his direct reports the question, “what do you think I think of you?” While they’re often kind and focused on the positive at first, he goes on to ask, “what do you think I’m thinking about you in your worst moments?” Now that’s a whole different ballgame. It’s questions like these that bring about vulnerability and have the power to deepen both trust and connection.
Who’s someone in your life that has been a catalyst and what did they do to help encourage you along in your journey?
Cheers to bringing stability and being a catalyst at just the right times!! Learn more about the importance of stability in this related post.
