Let it go

It's the hardest thing to let go of.

When your 'winning way' - the approach you built your career on - is holding you back from the next level.

Maybe you're a brilliant consultant … who now needs to step into a growth leader role.

Or a great manager … who wants to break through into their first executive leadership position.

The mindset, approach, and habits that got you to where you are. Those aren't the same ones that are going to get you where you want to be.

In fact they may be precisely what's limiting you.

I've seen this many times in organisations.

Like the consultancy founders who work like crazy, keeping the ship afloat, winning hero-deals when the chips are down … but failing to develop their team, so they can delegate that work and become a true CEO.

Their mindset, approach, and behaviour are aligned to their predictable past, not their future possibilities.

So, this raises the question - how do I change?

The first thing to remember is you're not throwing the baby out with the bath water. Your current winning way becomes just one of a number of choices you have to how you'll operate in a situation.

Next you need a plan. This is the process I use with my clients for commercial growth. You can adopt it as a journaling process for yourself.

Part 1: Getting real

Start a journal and record how you respond in different situations.

• How was I thinking?
• What skills did I apply?
• Which behaviours?

Look for patterns of predictability.

• What did I do well?
• What did I jump into?
• What did I avoid?
• What would my team say?

Define the changes you need to make to get to your next level.

• What beliefs will support me?
• What skills and behaviours?

Ask yourself: am I prepared to commit to this?

Part 2: Transformation

Once you've completed the journal you'll want a business challenge. A stretch environment, with support and encouragement.

This is where you apply, practice and test your new winning way.

You'll naturally be inclined to slip back into your old 'winning way’, that's when a coach or mentor is worthwhile.

Change isn't always easy on your own so it’s best to have an accountability partner.

That's the planning process.

Last question. Has the success of your past become the prison to your future?