LEADING FROM WITHIN / 87Developing yourself
People don’t all think in the same way.
Understanding your own thinking style
and the styles of others around you
will give you some valuable leadership
tools. The term “thinking style” does not
refer to your IQ, but how you process
information; broadly we can distinguish
between three styles: tactical,
operational, and strategic.
Most people tend to get stuck using
just one of the thinking styles. But by
recognizing your own thinking style you
begin to ask different questions and think
about problems in fresh and exciting
new ways. By doing this you work more
effectively with your team because you
can understand how they think and
communicate, and you can talk to people
in their own “language.”Improving your skills
Make a list of the essential
characteristics you already
have as a leader—“I am
focused,” “I am committed
to excellence,” “I respect
others,” “I work hard”—and
those to which you aspire: “I
am caring,” “I am trusted.”
Repeat this exercise regularly
to monitor your inner thoughts
and development.Tip
thinking styles
are useful for solving
3 different problems
US_086-087_Leading_from_within.indd 87 30/05/16 3:01 pm