In helping my senior leader clients master their role, I ask them to consider developing a pentagonal mindset.
The foundational element is values. Values are the rules of the game, why and how we think and behave. To break them is to be in dishonour. A dishonourable leader has no future.
The next element is about the vision. It must be worthy, compelling and fully aligned with the values.
Then there is continuous improvement. It applies to self, others, the organisation, the products and services being offered, almost in that order. It includes innovation, creativity and enhancing performance.
The next element is curiosity. The ability to notice what others might miss. To be curious about what is working and what isn’t. It includes balancing the direction of thinking from being purely positive or negative to a wise and timely blend of both pathological inquiry and appreciative inquiry.
The fifth element is the mindset of identifying root causes. There are only three root causes of all human error, accident, conflict and dysfunction. Their opposites are the remedies and the root causes of all that works well in humans. The root causes of all human error etc. are fear, habits and ignorance. Their remedies and the causes of what works well are courage, better practice and continuous learning.
What do you think?
