One of the most powerful questions leaders can ask themselves is: What is it like to be on the other side of me?
This simple yet profound question can reshape the way you approach leadership and help you foster a more engaged, productive, and motivated team.
Great leadership isn’t just about authority, strategy, or decision-making. It’s about self-awareness and understanding how your leadership style impacts those around you. When leaders take the time to reflect on how they are perceived, they can create stronger, more effective teams.
Why This Question Matters
Many leaders fall into the trap of reacting rather than responding. They get caught up in the pressure of decision-making and forget to consider how their actions and words affect their teams. Asking, What is it like to be on the other side of me? allows leaders to step into their employees’ shoes and evaluate their own behavior from a different perspective.
When leaders pause to reflect on their impact, they can:
- Improve their communication skills
- Foster a more inclusive and open work environment
- Address blind spots that may be holding their team back
- Build trust and respect within their organization
In my coaching experience, I remember guiding a leader through a challenging employee situation. Instead of reacting emotionally, I encouraged him to reflect on how his leadership approach was perceived. Was he coming across as reactive or proactive? Was he truly listening to his employees? These are the types of questions for leaders that lead to growth and transformation.
Questions for Leaders: Three Key Areas to Focus On
To truly implement this mindset shift, here are three areas leaders should focus on:
1. Be an Engaged Listener
Are you an engaged listener? Leaders often fall into the habit of listening to respond rather than listening to understand. Have you ever had a conversation where someone was more focused on checking their phone or preparing their next statement instead of truly hearing you? It’s frustrating and unproductive.
Active listening means:
- Being fully present in conversations
- Making eye contact and eliminating distractions
- Asking thoughtful follow-up questions
- Acknowledging and validating the other person’s perspective
When leaders engage in active listening, they gain valuable insights into their teams’ needs, challenges, and ideas. This creates a culture of respect and collaboration.
2. Avoid Toxic Optimism
Do you fall into the trap of toxic optimism? Positivity is a great leadership trait, but excessive optimism can backfire. Some leaders avoid discussing challenges with their teams, because they’re afraid it will lower morale. However, transparency is key to building trust.
In the restaurant industry, where business owners faced significant struggles, instead of pretending everything was fine, successful leaders acknowledged the challenges and invited their teams to collaborate on solutions. By being honest about obstacles and encouraging problem-solving, leaders empower their teams and foster innovation.
3. Embrace Intellectual Humility
Do you embrace intellectual humility? Strong leaders don’t have all the answers – and that’s okay. Embracing intellectual humility means being open to learning, admitting mistakes, and valuing the input of others. It’s about recognizing that leadership is a journey of continuous improvement. Create an environment where learning is prioritized over ego
The Leadership Mindset Shift
At the heart of great leadership is a commitment to personal growth. Leaders who consistently ask themselves, What is it like to be on the other side of me? develop a deeper awareness of their impact. They become more intentional in their interactions, more empathetic in their decision-making, and more effective in guiding their teams toward success.
If you’re looking for ways to enhance your leadership style, start with this question. Make it a daily practice. The more you reflect, the more you’ll grow – and the better leader you’ll become.
Resources Mentioned
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📝 Uncover Your Biggest Blindspots with the Entrepreneur Quiz
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