Avoiding Leadership Roadblocks – Beth Armknecht Miller

Several years ago, I was working with a business owner who had become stuck because of the way the company structure was set up. As President and part owner, he had two other partners and the company needed to make investments in new product development in order to stay competitive. Yet he could not get his other two partners to commit to making the necessary investment. They were older and had different financial needs. Time ticked away, and they started to lose their competitive advantage.  He was stuck and knew he had only one choice, separate himself from the company.

This is the time of year that many of us review our past accomplishments and assess our future. As a leader are you at a point where you need to make a change because you feel stuck? Do you feel like you are just spinning your wheels and not making the progress you want?

Before making a change

Before you make a big change like my client, analyze your current situation. First, list the reasons why you want to make a change. Then define what will keep you engaged and happy in your current position. Ask yourself, what needs to change with your current position? These are the things that demotivate you, decrease your energy level, and disengage you from your work. These are the things that if absent will bring on that feeling of being stuck.  For the client I mentioned, it was the inability to stay competitive and keep up the growth rates he had become accustomed to in the past.

Once you have a list of those needed changes then determine what you can control and what you can’t control in your current position. For instance, if there are things that are part of your job you aren’t enjoying, can these things be delegated to others?

Change is necessary

After you have analyzed your current situation, do you still feel that you are at a roadblock?  Have you exhausted all your alternatives? If so, then it is time to determine what are your non-negotiators, those things about a position you are unwilling to compromise on. These are generally the values and drivers that motivate you, the intrinsic motivators. But often, external drivers can be just as important depending on your personal situation. An example would be if you have joint custody of your children and want to stay close to them, then relocating for a new position may be a deal killer. You now have a list of criteria that you can use to rate new opportunities as they come your way.

Frustration can lead to decisions made during a time of high emotions. Make sure that when you do make your decision to leave that you have set aside your emotions and you have your list of non-negotiables.  And during your search for a new position, have questions prepared that will uncover values alignment and style preferences that will be critical to your future success and happiness.

Beth Armknecht Miller is CEO of Executive Velocity, a top talent and leadership development advisory firm. Beth is a trusted executive consultant, Vistage Chair, and committed volunteer. She is a graduate of Babson College and Harvard Business School’s OPM program. She is certified in Myers Briggs, Hogan, and Business DNA. And she is a Certified Managerial Coach. Beth’s insight and expertise has made her a sought-after speaker, and she has been featured in numerous industry blogs and publications. To learn more about Beth visit BethArmknechtMiller.comor Executive-Velocity.com.