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Are Quick Fixes Keeping You Stuck?
As leaders, when problems come up in the organisation, our first instinct is to dive right in and fix the immediate issue.
Even I’m guilty of this sometimes, focusing on quick fixes instead of addressing the root cause.
We get so wrapped up in the daily challenges that we forget to ground ourselves in the principles that actually guide our leadership.
But we all know that only leads to the same problems coming back again.
Instead of having a clear framework to lean on, we end up reacting to every issue as it comes, which leads to emotional, spur-of-the-moment decisions. And, let's be honest, we spend more time managing chaos than creating real, lasting change.
It’s easy to focus on trying to control what’s happening around us—the team, the market, the problems—but the real work starts with us.
Without a strong mindset and set of principles, everything feels like an emergency. Before we know it, we’re frustrated, burnt out, and exhausted from trying to keep up with it all.
But what I've learned (sometimes the hard way) is that this reactive approach only gets you so far.
Lead with Purpose, Not Panic
The real game-changer is shifting from constantly putting out fires to leading with purpose, using a set of guiding principles to anchor yourself and your decisions.
These success principles aren’t just about solving problems as they arise. They’re about shaping who you are as a leader and the culture you create within your team.
When you lead from a place of clarity and calm, grounded in principles that guide your mindset and actions, you no longer feel like you’re constantly chasing the next crisis. Instead, you approach challenges with a long-term strategy and a sense of purpose.
The transformation starts with you.
By building a strong foundation of leadership principles—rooted in self-awareness, responsibility, and vision—you become a leader who doesn’t just react to problems but leads your team to overcome them with confidence and ease.
The 3 Success Principles
1. Boundary Conditioning
Einstein once said we all unconsciously place boundaries on our thinking, limiting what we believe is possible. As children, we form these mental boundaries to feel safe and make sense of the world, but as adults, we often still operate within them. Statements like, "You're not good at learning," stick with us and shape how we approach life.
The good news? We can break free by challenging those old beliefs and replacing them with empowering, positive ones. By pushing beyond these boundaries, we open ourselves up to new possibilities, greater potential, and a more resourceful way of thinking.
2. Above the Line Thinking
The second success principle is “Above the Line or Below the Line” thinking. Below the line thinking is when we act as victims of our circumstances, blaming others or external events for our challenges. It's toxic and limits success.
On the other hand, above the line thinking is about taking 100% responsibility for our outcomes. It’s rooted in ownership, accountability, and curiosity. Successful people think above the line, asking, “What can I do differently? How can I improve this situation?” As a leader, embracing this mindset transforms challenges into opportunities.
3. What You Focus on is What You Get
Studies tell us that success is 70% psychology and 30% technical skills. Our experience of the world is filtered through our beliefs, personality, and assumptions. Two people can look at the same situation and perceive it differently based on their internal filters. Your focus shapes your reality.
The Reticular Activation System (RAS) in the brain processes millions of pieces of information and highlights what you deem important—whether positive or negative. By consciously choosing what to focus on, you can train your brain to see opportunities instead of obstacles, leading to more success and fulfillment.
As you apply these insights, you'll find yourself leading with greater clarity, purpose, and confidence, inspiring your team to do the same.
Here's to your ongoing growth and leadership journey!
Kath
P.S. Whenever you’re ready, I can help you develop high-performing and supportive teams, find fulfillment in leadership, and create a healthy work-life balance through executive coaching.
To get started, you can book a FREE 30-minute Leadership Success Discovery Session with me.
Every month, I open up my calendar for a handful of leaders to have a 1:1 session with me.
On our call, we dive into actionable strategies to uncover your mindset and leadership gaps and identify your growth opportunities in the next 90 days.
There’s only a limited number of spots, so go check if there are available spaces left 👇
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