Are you a secure leader?

How secure of a leader are you? Secure enough to ask your team for feedback on your leadership? Have you ever stood in front of your team and asked them how your leadership was affecting them?

Some have carried out this exercise and do it on a regular basis. This fact alone speaks volumes of their leadership. However, the vast majority of leaders have never done this, and unfortunately many in this group would likely have a hard time even entertaining such a horrifying concept. "You suggest that I ask my people what they think about the way I lead them. Why would I ever want to do that – they report to me – don't they?"

Respect does not come with title. The initials after your name on your business card and the fact that people have to listen to you does not make you a positive, inspiring and influential leader. Good results do not necessarily make you a good leader – anyone can drive people to get results. The best results - and those that continue long term - come from well-developed individuals and teams, inspired by great leaders, and it is this approach, that earns respect.

What if you were to try this? "Try what?" Ask your team for feedback on your leadership. "Oh … I thought we could avoid that." What is the worst that could happen? Ok, you might get your feelings hurt … and … well … that's it – that is the worst that can happen.

Now on the other hand, what good could come out of it? Your people might see sincerity and openness in you that they have not witnessed before, and in time, could take the level of communication and honesty in your team to new levels. Your people might – yes, it could happen – give you some constructive criticism on some of your behaviors or just the way that you do things. They might even see value in doing this same exercise with their own teams – a new level of 2-way communication never before seen in your company. It could actually change the culture of the organization – in a positive way.

So I ask again – How secure are you?

Two tips:

1) If you decide to do this, thank them for their comments – no judgment, justification, rationalization etc.

2) If no one says a thing – it's not because you are perfect. It means you likely have a big gap to close with that whole "respect" issue.

Are you a secure leader?