Last week, you began the process of exploring hidden beliefs by examining your internal monologue. In the next 60 seconds, you’ll take a closer look at your beliefs and see how they impact your executive functioning. Ready? Set. Go!
Your One-Minute Coaching™
Gather your notes from the “How to Identify Your Misbeliefs” exercise. (If you are joining us for the first time, read “Do You Believe What You Believe You Believe?” before continuing.) Review them and reflect on your beliefs.
- What do you notice most?
- Do you see any trends?
- Can you identify the link between your beliefs and your actions?
Our Beliefs Guide (or Misguide) Our Actions
Our actions all stem from a core set of beliefs. Take the challenge to look at the actions for which you get the most constructive feedback, and identify what beliefs they are attached to.
For example, are you told that you are often one or more of these?
- Late when starting meetings.
- Abrasive, with a tendency to rub sensitive people the wrong way.
- Overly direct, with a tendency to create conflicts.
- Too slow to make decisions.
- Terrible with attention to detail and getting reports in on time.
If so, what beliefs are responsible?
It is amazing how often we act in a manner that does not match what we say we believe! Too often, those actions overtly display character traits that are almost universally condemned, like selfishness, self-centeredness or anger. These thoughts and actions could be tied to a belief that you must win, or that you must gain greater influence over others.
Could such beliefs be the true foundation to your character, overwhelming even your “most important” philosophical, religious, or personal ideals? This is very often the case. For executives who take no time to reflect, it may be nearly inevitable.
What are your true beliefs—the ones that actually guide your actions? Do they match reality, or do you need to adjust them to reflect the facts? Do they match the person and the leader you want to be, or do you need to change them to achieve your full potential?
Changing Your Misbeliefs
Almost everyone is resistant to changing lifelong beliefs. Yet, we often discover that some of our beliefs are baseless. Changing misbeliefs allows us to fulfill our potential as executives. In order to do this, we must tell ourselves the truth.
Becoming the best executive you can takes courage. Find a mentor. Meet regularly. Share your thoughts openly and you will grow into the leader of leaders you were designed to be.
If you are a senior executive and do not have a coach, you are playing at a disadvantage. I will be happy to help you find one who is right for you. Just click the link to Schedule Our Call where we can discuss your needs and what you are looking to accomplish. No charge!
I have asked you a lot of intense questions today, so I will end it here. Think hard. Think honestly. Lead well!