As it is my birthday month, I feel justified in bringing a little Taurus energy into the conversation. Even if you are not into star signs, stay with me.
Because whether you are a Taurus or not, I think there is something useful in reflecting on our natural tendencies. The patterns that come easily to us. The things people can rely on us for. The habits that serve us well. And the ones that, if we are honest, can trip us up a bit too.
For me, the Taurus stereotypes are not wildly off. Grounded. Loyal. Practical. Steady. Determined. Also, occasionally stubborn. Or if you ask my husband Deane – very stubborn!
And honestly, that is not a bad little leadership case study. Because our strengths and our blind spots often live very close to each other.
The steadiness that helps people trust you can also become resistance to change.
The loyalty that makes you dependable can become staying too long with what is no longer right. The determination that helps you push through challenges can become digging your heels in when flexibility would serve you better.
That is leadership in real life, isn’t it? The very qualities that make us effective are often the same ones we need to watch carefully. I think this is why self-awareness matters so much.
What do I naturally bring?
What do people get from me at my best?
What happens when that strength gets overused?
What is the edge I need to soften?
Where do I need more range?
These are helpful questions for any leader. Because leadership is about understanding yourself well enough to use your natural style wisely.
I know leaders who are naturally warm and relational, but avoid hard conversations for too long. I know leaders who are highly strategic, but can miss the emotional temperature of the room. I know leaders who are brilliant at moving fast, but do not always bring others with them.
That is why I quite like using something light-hearted, like being a Taurus, as a doorway into a more useful leadership reflection. It lowers the stakes a bit. Self-awareness does not have to begin with a 360, a psychometric tool or a tough piece of feedback. Sometimes it can begin with a smile and a bit of truth.
Yes, I am steady. Yes, I value substance over noise. Yes, I like to be grounded and practical. And yes, when I think I am right, I can plant my feet very firmly. Useful to know.
Leadership gets better when we know what comes naturally to us and where we need to stretch. So, this birthday month, I am not just reflecting on the lovely Taurus qualities I am very happy to claim. I am also reflecting on the parts that need watching.
Whether you are a Taurus, a Gemini, a Virgo, or someone who thinks this is all complete nonsense, your natural wiring matters. Your patterns matter. Your defaults matter.
Because who you are comes with you into every room. And the more aware you are of that, the more choice you have in how you lead.
#realleadership #leadershipgrowth #birthdaymonth #taurus