How I Do a Self-Evaluation and Course Correction as a Leader

As a seasoned technology leader I have witnessed the rapid evolution of the industry over the course of several decades. Throughout my journey, I have come to realize the critical importance of self-evaluation and course correction for leaders in order to stay relevant and achieve long-term success. In this blog post, I will share my insights on how I approach self-assessment and course correction, providing actionable points that can benefit leaders in any industry.

Embrace a Growth Mindset

One of the foundational elements of self-evaluation and course correction is cultivating a growth mindset. As Carol Dweck, a renowned psychologist, emphasizes, "Becoming is better than being." Leaders must constantly seek personal and professional growth, acknowledging that there is always room for improvement. Adopting this mindset enables us to approach self-evaluation with humility and openness, creating a foundation for meaningful course correction.

Seek Honest Feedback

Self-evaluation is incomplete without soliciting honest feedback from multiple sources. As leaders, we often receive praise and recognition, but it's equally crucial to actively seek constructive criticism. Former General Electric CEO Jack Welch famously said, "Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others." By encouraging open feedback, we foster an environment of trust and continuous improvement.

Leverage 360-Degree Feedback

In addition to seeking feedback from superiors and subordinates, leveraging 360-degree feedback can provide a comprehensive view of our strengths and areas for development. By involving peers, clients, and other stakeholders, we gain valuable insights into our leadership style, communication effectiveness, and team dynamics. As business author Ken Blanchard suggests, "Feedback is the breakfast of champions." Actively seeking diverse perspectives allows for course correction that addresses blind spots and maximizes leadership potential.

Reflect on Successes and Failures

Self-evaluation involves deep reflection on both successes and failures. Celebrating achievements is important, but equally critical is analyzing failures to identify patterns and learn from them. As Steve Jobs famously said, "Sometimes when you innovate, you make mistakes. It is best to admit them quickly and get on with improving your other innovations." By objectively assessing our wins and losses, we can make informed course corrections, adapting strategies and approaches as needed.

Align Personal Values and Purpose

An effective leader continually evaluates their personal values and aligns them with their professional purpose. Understanding what drives us and the impact we want to make allows us to realign our actions accordingly. Simon Sinek, author and leadership expert, encourages leaders to "Start with Why." Evaluating our core values and purpose enables us to course correct when we deviate from our intended path, reinforcing our authenticity and inspiring those around us.

Embrace Continuous Learning

As technology leaders, the rate of change demands that we embrace continuous learning. Engaging in ongoing education and staying up-to-date with industry trends is essential for effective self-evaluation and course correction. Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, states, "The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn." By investing in our own development, we equip ourselves to adapt and course correct in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Conclusion

Self-evaluation and course correction are indispensable tools for leaders navigating the complex and ever-changing world of technology and innovation. By embracing a growth mindset, seeking honest feedback, leveraging 360-degree feedback, reflecting on successes and failures,

aligning personal values and purpose, and embracing continuous learning, leaders can chart a path to sustained success. As Peter Drucker, renowned management consultant, once said, "Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision." It is through self-evaluation and course correction that leaders can make those courageous decisions, adapting and evolving to lead their organizations and teams towards greater achievements.

So, as a leader, take the time to reflect, assess, and course correct. Embrace the growth mindset, seek feedback, analyze successes and failures, align values and purpose, and never stop learning. By doing so, you'll not only enhance your own leadership capabilities but also inspire those around you to reach new heights.

Remember, leadership is a journey, and self-evaluation and course correction are the compasses that guide you towards your true potential.

Note: This blog post is based on personal experiences and insights as a technology leader and innovator and may not represent the views of all leaders.