Three Lessons for Leading with Intention
Have you ever started the day with positive intentions, then left your plant at the end of the day feeling like you didn’t actually accomplish any of your intentions? You might be struggling with “intention deficit disorder,” a term coined by my friend, public speaking colleague, and USA Today bestselling author Jon Giganti in his book With Intention: A Proven Path to Uncommon Results, Unleashed Influence, and Ultimate Fulfillment.
After reading With Intention, I asked Jon to join me on my Mindfulness Manufacturing podcast to talk more about leading with intention . . . and it turned into such an insightful episode that I had to break it into two great episodes! In both Part One and Part Two of his podcast, Jon shared his thoughts on how leaders can use skills like self-awareness, authenticity, and curiosity to bring more intentionality to their organizations.
Leading with Intention, Tip #1: To Lead, You Have to Show Up
To accomplish what you want and need to accomplish, there’s a simple first step: showing up! By showing up and serving your organization, you position yourself and your team for success. If you struggle with showing up, work on setting a routine. For example, you might mediate, exercise, or journal before work to get yourself in the right headspace for leading, growing, and succeeding.
Whatever your routine, commit to it. Form powerful habits, and be intentional about how you start your day, so you can set yourself up for stronger connections, better results, and more success.
Leading with Intention, Tip #2: Be Intentional with Your Energy
While setting a routine and developing habits, be intentional with your time and energy. Your energy levels are not the same throughout the day, so practice self-awareness to find the best ways to spend your time.
One way to do this is through scheduling margins in your schedule. As a busy leader, you might worry you’ll feel unproductive if you add some quieter moments in your schedule. However, think of these quiet moments are an investment in yourself and your future. By allowing yourself some “white space” in your schedule, you give yourself a way to rest your body, brain, and soul. When you give yourself white space in your schedule, it also gives you time to build more meaningful, impactful relationships with your team.
Leading with Intention, Tip #3: Get Below the Surface
To become a more intentional leader, you need to let others see your authentic self. When others see your authenticity and vulnerability, it fosters a stronger sense of trust, which helps you build stronger relationships and find more sustainable outcomes.
To find ways to show up more authentically and intentionally, don’t be afraid to get below the surface. Spend some time getting to know yourself, and reflect on your identity, beliefs, and values. When you know yourself and what’s in your heart, it will be easier to build relationships, form connections, and drive impactful change in your organization.
Learn More on the Podcast
To hear more insights and lessons on intentionality, be sure to check out part one and part two of my Mindfulness Manufacturing podcast with guest Jon Giganti!
At Manufacturing Greatness, Trevor Blondeel works with manufacturers to connect the top to the shop. If you’re ready to improve your own organization, contact Trevor to learn how Manufacturing Greatness can help you build stronger leaders and develop a dynamic, high-performing workplace.