I worked with a general manager who was a Harvard MBA. His team liked him, and management respected him for the way he managed the team and did the numbers (one of his strengths). But put this guy under stress and he became obsessive, often working numbers over and over.

When the company wanted to merge his division with another, he did not see how it would work. He did analysis after analysis to prove the idea was a bad one for his division. Meanwhile, absent management attention, his team was in crisis. The team needed a leader to help with the people issues of a merger; they feared losing their jobs.

Leadership research describes strength-like number analysis that is overdone--as a "derailer." It is the good turned bad. We all can have these traits, but some need help to manage them. Self confidence can become arrogance; independence can turn to aloofness; conscientiousness can become worry. Here are some ways to identify and manage an asset so it doesn't become a liability.

Step 1: Identify your "derailers" Ask a trusted colleague for feedback Reflect on your impact on others Complete a 360° assessment to identify overdone strengths Seek a coach Step 2: Learn to "Pause" Hit the "pause" button before your response Use active listening to gain time to react Step 3: Come out of your Comfort Zone Try a new response Step 4: Get balanced Go for a centered leadership style-try to avoid extremes

In the case study, the general manager would close his office door and run the numbers over and over again while his employees listened to the rumors and feared the worst.

Through coaching he was able to move out of his comfort zone and face the problem head on. Rather than avoid his team, he met with them and dealt with their concerns. He was one of the most successful leaders as the company merged his division. Don't let your strengths derail you. Let Leadership Solutions keep you on the right track.

Donna Dennis
Telephone: 609-333-0144
donna@leadership-solutions.info