Leading with Purpose: How Feedback, Balance and Empathy Drive True Success.

Recently, I sat down with Frank — a leader who I had the pleasure to work with for over 3 years. His leadership forced me to think, shaped me as a professional and allowed me to grow.

Expect to read about some of his thoughts around feedback, balance and empathy.

Feedback isn’t about what’s nice – it’s about what’s real.

As everybody of us, Frank loves feedback. But not just the kind that makes you feel good and proud. The best feedback for Frank, is the one which is making him aware of his blind-spots. Everyday behaviours which limit him in being an effective, efficient, simply better leader.

Perhaps, if you are a strategic thinker - like Frank, you might recognize that tactical execution does not come naturally. On the other hand, maybe you have a strong bias for action - like me, who tends to overlook the rules of interpersonal communication.

“It’s about closing the gaps we don’t naturally notice. The best version of us doesn’t only focus on our strengths; it challenges our weaknesses, too, and tries to tackle them.” – Frank

Find out what’s real: ask for feedback, track it down and hold yourself accountable for.

Navigate the waves of life and work – without losing yourself.

Frank didn’t sugarcoat it. There were times in his career where he dove headfirst into every challenge. This had an impact on his well-being and private life. As he matured, he realized and learned the art of navigating these waves.

The trick is to raise the sails at the right moment, or let the wind pass by. Work-life harmony isn’t a destination or fixed ratio of time spent for the company vs. your private life. The balance between professional and private is a moving target – quite situational.

“True success is more than what’s on our resume or your pay-check. For me, it’s about balancing career with family and friends. When we lose sight of the latter, we give work too much permission to take over.” - Frank

Don’t lose yourself: think about your own waves, learn to navigate them and maintain control.

Lead by making meaningful personal connections – give first, before you take.

We talked about building relationships in business. For Frank, true personal connections don’t start with taking – they’re about giving. It’s not only about having good intentions. It’s about valuing others’ objectives and act on them.

Creating a space around you where people want to join in. Be of value to others, then they want naturally to be of value to you.

“Be an invitation” – Frank

Don’t be selfish: listen to others, be of value to them and get the right people onto your bus.

Let’s wrap it up.

Go after the success, but don’t let it be everything.