Coach Future Leaders to Sharpen their Self-Listening Skills 

​We see it unfold as we watch the news broadcasts on television or read the morning newspaper. Sometimes we even catch breaking news clips on social media that alert us to conflict and chaos from the Middle East to West Africa to our own communities. I’m not trying to sound like a doomsayer, but when I read about the increasing number of cyber security threats in our world today, I am reminded of our responsibility to coach the next generation of leaders.

Here is a guide to help you, as seasoned leaders, to coach future leaders to develop the capacity to thrive even in the midst of whatever crisis or chaos they might face in their upcoming season of leadership. An important part of building this capability is to sharpen self-listening skills, or simply put, to look after one’s inner being.
 
The challenges in today’s business climate call for confident leaders with unshakable character.  We need leaders who are able to stay focused because they stick to solid organizing principles. As a seasoned leader, you can help future leaders to develop character capabilities such as, internal strength, confidence, and courage.
 
True Leaders are never dictators. They are able to pull teams together in a loving and patient way, even when their direction is being challenged or sabotaged. They stay connected to all the role players in order to support their personal and business growth strategies.
 
In my work, I’ve experienced how this internal growth positively influences all other personal, professional, and community relationships. In short, it is invaluable!
 
In previous posts, I discuss how to coach emerging leaders on the importance of cultivating a courageous character core – the first element of developing a leader’s heart. Over the next few weeks I’ll discuss the second element to develop this character core:  
 
Sharpen Self-Listening: An intentional journey to be increasingly aware of one’s own emotional, intellectual and spiritual wellbeing, in order to lead wisely and with confident humility in the midst of chaos and adversity. 

• Don’t follow the herd
• Say No to Negative Self-Talk
• Set goals to fuel strong desire and commitment
• Change your thinking & support your goals, dreams, and purpose
• Deal with your dark side
• Find dynamic dialogue

 
New development and opportunities present complicated challenges and can potentially cause a windstorm of disagreement and activity. However, by nurturing future leaders who have keen self-listening skills, our businesses and organizations will face challenges in a positive way for years to come.
 
In the next post I’ll discuss how Young Leaders might stay focused even when conflict and chaos surround them.
 
Leadership question: What might you do to help Future Leaders creatively deal with their challenges?
 
Leadership lesson: Self-listening is a strategy to accomplish learning through valuing and honoring one’s own unique identity.​

​​​© Copyright Danita Bye, 2016