The Future Leader

12The Explorer

Before we explore the specifics of each of the four mindset types, I need to explain what I mean by mindsets. A mindset refers to how you think, which in turn influences and shapes how you act.

Take, for example, a leader who believes in having a strict hierarchy where it's his or her responsibility to tell everyone what to do, where they make all of the decisions, and believe that they should never be questioned because of their status inside of the company. This type of leader will be much more close-minded to outside perspectives and ideas, won't practice any kind of empathy or self-awareness, and will end up creating a toxic culture. Then consider another leader who believes in serving those around them, someone who believes in questioning assumptions and challenging the status quo, who understands that work and life are blurring together. This type of leader will build a much more human team based on trust and psychological safety where employees are valued and treated fairly.

What you as a leader believe will influence the type of organization you are a part of and help create. This is a tough thing to change because many of us were taught a style and approach to leadership that no longer works or is relevant. With mindsets, you can't fake it, meaning that you can't secretly believe in command and control yet put up a facade of openness and transparency; ...