what's new with you?

Over the course of the past few weeks as I have visited with friends and family, I often get asked the question “How is it going?” The assumption behind the question is that I will have much to share about the new role and how life as the CEO at Concordia University Texas is moving forward.  Saying “It’s going well” never seems quite enough (and on those days when it does not go so well, I’m not sure I want to go into details).  As I answer the question, I find myself slipping into tried and true responses that may or may not really say much about how it REALLY is going, which has prompted me to think differently about the question and the answer.  Maybe more than “how’s it going?” the question is more of “what’s new with you?” and maybe even more so “how are you different?”

As people take on new leadership roles, a change begins to happen – or at least a change SHOULD begin to happen.  While leaders who take on these roles should remain the same person, there are things that change:

• broader perspective
• different alliances
• shifting responsibilities
• realigned loyalties
• new financials
• more meetings
• less sleep

As we begin this New Year, I would encourage you (and myself) to think about how each of these impacts the way we lead – and the way we think about ourselves as leaders.  This change in thinking and behaving does not happen naturally – some of the changes are fundamental shifts and are often difficult to achieve.  Remember the “Peter Principle” of being promoted to one’s area of incompetence…leaders who take on new roles do not fail because they do poor work; they fail because they struggle to make the shift from their previous role.  This is why leadership coaches, mentors, and consultants are important as people make this shift.  Having someone ask the hard questions and holding the mirror up can help make the transition smoother (at least as smooth as these transitions can be).  So as this New Year begins, consider how you will answer the question of “How’s it going?” or “What’s new with you?” next time it is asked.  I hope your answer will surprise the other person…and maybe even surprise you!