April 20, 2022
By Dean Crisp
Yes, I talk a lot about mindset as a component of successful leadership. Over the years, we’ve had lots of blog posts on creating a growth mindset as well as podcasts on the topic (check out our podcast on mindset). In my mind, it is THE foundation of all success...and failure. If you think it, it will happen. I believe that thoughts become things. My focus on mindset is because, I too once had a negative mindset myself– truly I did. It took years to develop that negative mindset, and it took just as long or longer along with an intentional focus on developing some new habits, that helped me become more positive in my outlook on life and leadership.
This week, I focus on this key area again, because I want to talk about how Mindset is truly the X factor of leadership (and life). I want to offer you, the reader, some things that helped me create a success mindset that I believe will make you a better person and a significant leader.
The X Factor is a popular show on television and in their definition, the “x” factor is defined as “a noteworthy special talent or quality,” much as the show demonstrates. But when it comes to leadership, the “X” factor is really that variable that in any given situation could have the most significant impact on the outcome. This is why mindset is the “x” factor in leadership.
You know those days when you feel just awful to be you or something happens with your spouse or child that turns your mood upside down? Or maybe you’re feeling terrific as you walk into the office only to have a member of your staff derail your good mood with bad news.
You know the days? Right?
Well, when we have a not-so-good or negative mindset, you can bet that your “x” factor will negatively impact your thoughts and actions. Conversely, when you are in a positive mindset, your “x” factor will be more positive thus creating more positive thoughts and actions. As leaders, we want to make our actions and decisions from as clear-headed a space as possible. Having the right mindset is a key factor in making quality decisions and to having the most impact as a leader. Yes, it sounds simple, but it isn’t easy.
So, how do we keep our “x” factor (mindset) in the positive or at least neutral position?
Well, there’s a lot of advice out there and believe me, in the law enforcement profession, it isn’t always possible to stay positive or even neutral despite our best efforts, but I do believe with some practice, you can develop some good habits that enable you to enhance your mindset and have an “x” factor that significantly impacts your leadership outcomes.
Let’s look at some the habits that I have and continue to cultivate that found most helpful to reshaping my mindset.
|