What Kind of Leader Would You Like to Become?

When I talk with someone about leadership coaching, I begin by asking some questions to get a sense of who they are.

“What kind of leader would you like to become?” I generally ask.

Some people know exactly what kind of leader they want to become.  They may have a particular person in mind that they would like to emulate, or they may be seeking a combination of traits they see in several people.  They may have specific qualities they would like to develop, or examples of actions or decisions they want to prepare to face.  Some people want to be more decisive, or more patient, or more discerning.

Other people have a more general, vague sense of where they would like to go.  They want to be a leader that other people respect, or trust.  They want to be the kind of leader that they themselves would want to follow.  They would like to be more thoughtful, or mature, or adaptable.  They want to be better.

The people I talk to want to become leaders with whom they are comfortable.  They want their leadership to fit with themselves, to reflect who they really are.  They have real questions and doubts.  They are not looking for easy answers.  Their questions, and their desires, are very personal; they will not be answered by standard, one-size-fits-all responses.

They do not want me to tell them how to be a leader.  They want me to help them find how to be a leader for themselves.  They realize that finding the path for themselves, with my help, will mean more to them in the long run than any answers I might be able to give them.

What are you seeking?  What kind of leader would you like to become?

[Image by  UggBoy♥UggGirl [ PHOTO // WORLD // TRAVEL ]]