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What's up with Leadership and Culture?
By Danny Gutknecht
I've been catching up with Crossroads leaders to help improve the company. While everyone knows that there is still a lot of work to do, it's exciting to see momentum building in spots of the company. We've learned that Crossroads could use a little more of a "personal growth mindset" because it makes a difference.
Admittedly the Work with Meaning and Lead with Meaning programs are only for some; however, we are in the final stages of developing something for people beyond leadership who want to grow and have a more fulfilling existence at work.
Meanwhile, over the next few weeks, we will share highlights of our interviews with the leaders committed to growth. Many leaders express that their perspective of work, connection to others, and sense of self at work have improved since engaging in the programs. They've found new approaches and ways of connecting with staff, but more importantly, they have been uncovering different aspects of bringing their whole self to work. They've felt re-energized.
Edda Sedon, an Executive Director at Crossroads, reflects on her journey through the program: "I've been through countless leadership courses over the years, but this one was different. It wasn't just about learning how to lead better; it was about understanding who I am at my core. I found a deeper connection to my work and a renewed sense of purpose by reconnecting with my true self."
Being a great leader anywhere is for the strong-hearted. Across all industries, over the last 30 years, we've learned the best leaders never think that they have "it" all figured out. Authentic leadership is a challenging and introspective journey for those ready to interrogate themselves to grow.
Edda aptly says, "The program was tough at times, but the rewards were incredible." The program helped her align her leadership with her personal values and what she truly cares about. "I used to think leadership was about guiding others," Edda says, "but now I see it as serving a higher purpose—one that's deeply connected to my own identity."
The impact of our leadership programs at Crossroads extends beyond individual leaders. Company surveys in EvenMORE For You are showing improvements in culture. When we first introduced the leadership training, 62% of staff felt unsupported by their leaders. Over the past 10 months, this number has decreased to 32%. This shift is a testament to the power of authentic leadership.
As Swiss Psychiatrist Carl Jung said, "You don't change a group through collective behaviors and beliefs; it only gets better when people get better one by one." The good news is that it only takes a small number of people learning and growing to begin the process of small improvements that grow bigger over time.
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