The Wardrobe Accessory Every Leader Needs
In J.K. Rowling’s best-selling Harry Potter novels, new arrivals at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry don the magical Sorting Hat during the opening banquet at the start of each new school year. The hat discerns the personality and temperament of each new student and determines which of the school’s four houses the student is best suited to join.
As a business leader, you'd probably like to have your own version of the Sorting Hat to help you make better decisions. As a leadership coach, I talk with my clients regularly about how to successfully handle a variety of situations, particularly stressful circumstances involving people or groups.
What causes a situation to be stressful? In my experience, it’s thoughts and beliefs (or a conflict of beliefs and values) about a situation that generates the stress. In others words, we make judgments. We don our own Judgment Hat and respond based on our view of what is “true” or “right.”
A problem with wearing the Judgment Hat is that it can shut us down to other perspectives.
Unlike in a courtroom where evidence is equally presented, when we put on the Judgment Hat, we’ll see limited evidence and make decisions based on what is immediately known. Typically, we’re judging the situation or person as good or bad, right or wrong, worthy or unworthy.
When you don the Judgment Hat, black-and-white thinking can result, leading to limited choices. And limited choices equal limited opportunities to solve problems and resolve conflicts.
So what’s a more effective apparel choice?
How about a Curiosity Hat?
Curiosity is sometimes uncomfortable because it represents a state of not knowing – of not being certain.
But, when you don the Curiosity Hat, you’re actually opening yourself up to the possibility that there are things yet to be known about a person or situation – things that could bring new light and throw the door open to brand new opportunities.
How do you know if you’re wearing the Curiosity Hat?
Simple. You’re asking questions – of yourself and others. Questions that often begin with “I wonder . . .”
I wonder what led them to that decision?
I wonder what caused them to be upset?
I wonder what contributed to that outcome?
I wonder what’s behind that question?
I wonder what I can do to help you succeed?
I wonder what would happen if . . .?
So which hat will you put on the next time you find yourself in a stressful situation? You can’t wear them both!
I’d be delighted to help you shop around and find a Curiosity Hat that’s a perfect fit for your leadership style. Scroll down and click the link to schedule a complimentary conversation.
About the Author
Gayle Ely is a Leadership Coach, Trainer and Facilitator who believes Passionate Leadership can change the world. She works with business and non-profit leaders and service entrepreneurs to help them perform more effectively so they and their businesses can thrive.
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