If You’re Trying Too Hard, It Won’t Work

In our leadership development work, we find sometimes that in an effort to change leadership behavior, our clients make a small mistake.

This was on display recently when we were facilitating a group of senior managers. Pete had been struggling with one of his ‘derailing behaviors’- — he shuts people down as they’re giving him ideas or feedback. (Not a good trait for someone wanting to inspire their team. You don’t do that, do you? Didn’t think so).

One of them said of another one, “I’ve noticed Pete is trying really hard to change.”

Leaders Don’t TRY to Be Leaders

But we’re not so sure that’s a good thing. Taylor Swift, the young country star said recently in a NY Times article, that “when you try too hard to play the girl next door, you aren’t the girl next door.”

As part of your own development, we suggest you look at your own behavior, what derailers might hold you back-or get you off track-and how you’re perceived by others who report to you.

But, when it comes to trying hard to be a great leader, ease up. If you’re doing the right things to assess and become self-aware, there will be a natural change come over you. But “trying” doesn’t work.