Next Level Leadership

Scott Eblin, executive coach and author of The Next Level, What Insiders Know about Executive Success, has done a remarkable job of capturing the characteristics of "Next Level Leadership".

Not unlike the concepts in Marshall Goldsmith's book "What Got You Here Won't Get you There", Scott's book addresses the all too common phenomenon of high performers needing to 'let go of' the very skills and traits that made them successful.

I've believed for some time that our greatest strengths are also our greatest weakness when it comes to driving us forward.  So what worked at one stage of our career will not necessarily carry us to the next level.  In fact, it often works against us.

I'll use myself as an example. Earlier in my career, I was very effective by driving results.  My strength was quick decision making and the ability to execute.  Whereas this continues to be a strength, it can also be a detractor if I fail to take into consideration the impact of my decisions on others.

I frequently counsel my clients, "It's not your intent, but the impact of your actions" that you need to be aware of.  If I don't take into consideration the impact of my actions, it may unravel the benefit of making a quick decision in the interest of execution.

As Scott points out, transitioning to an executive role (and this applies to becoming a better CEO as well), requires knowing which behaviors and beliefs to let go of, as well as which new ones to adapt.

I had my leadership team read "The Next Level" and we identified and discussed what each of us needed to work on to truly master our roles.

I encourage you to check out "The Next Level, What Insiders Know About Executive Success"  and discuss it with your team as well.