Leadership Two Words at a Time summary

To lead others, you need to be able to lead yourself. And to do this, you've got to start with some self-examination – really get down to the nitty-gritty of what makes you tick. What are you good at? Where might there be room for improvement?

Bill Treasurer compares strengths to personal rays of sunshine. They’re good in moderation – but in leadership, too much sun can cast a shadow. In other words, overusing your strengths will result in diminishing returns.

Let’s say you’re an intellectual kind of leader – someone who’s great at analysis. Of course, generally, that’s a good quality. But if you overdo it, you might end up nitpicking, or coming off too strong, and that can create distance with the team. Striking the right balance with your strengths is crucial – they should brighten, not blind.

As well as knowing your strengths and weaknesses, you should also take the time to identify your values. What’s important to you? And as a leader, are your actions in line with these values?

For instance, a leader who talks about the importance of family values, but rarely spends time at home – well, it doesn’t set a great example. If you're not walking your talk, it won't go unnoticed, and your credibility could take a hit. Also, living by your values isn't just about you – it sets the tone for how authentic and influential your leadership is. So, set an example for your team.

There are many ways you can do this. For instance, here’s the story of one of Treasurer’s coaching clients, who was the head of safety for a construction company.

This leader wanted his team to be able to have honest conversations about safety so they could improve the safety culture in the workplace and avoid accidents and fatalities. So here’s what he did. He started the conversation himself. He led a meeting where he opened up, admitting to his own safety lapses and the mistakes he’d made in his life. By the end of the session, he was in tears, and some of the others in the room were getting choked up too.

Because of this leader’s openness, his team felt motivated to share their own stories. It was the start of an important dialogue about safety, and a shift in the company’s culture.

That’s how you do it – by modeling your values and setting an example.

The vibe you bring as a leader has a ripple effect on your whole workplace. Lead with genuine positivity and stick to your values, and you'll see that reflected in the culture of your team.

So remember, it all starts with these two words of advice – know yourself.