Understanding leadership styles 

Self -limiting leadership styles are patterns of behavior and decision making that stem from underlying negative beliefs and assumptions about ourselves and our abilities. These beliefs can lead us to doubt our competence, shy away from taking risks, and undermine our capacity to inspire and lead others effectively. 

Some common Self-Limiting beliefs that leaders may grapple with:

1. Imposter syndrome: feeling like a fraud or that one does not deserve their leadership position, which can lead to lack of confidence and reluctance to make bold decisions. 
2. Fear of failure: being afraid of making mistakes, which may result in a reluctance to innovate or take calculated risks. 
3. Need for perfection : striving for flawless execution at all times. Which can hinder progress and limit creativity. 
4. Fixed mindset : believing that talents and abilities are fixed traits rather than qualities that can be developed, leading to resistance to learning and growth. 
5. Lack of self worth : feeling unworthy of respect and admiration, leading to difficulty in asserting oneself and gaining trust from team members. 

Drawing inspiration from Coaching 

Coaching has been instrumental in helping leaders recognise and address their self-limiting beliefs, challenge them and replace them with empowering perspectives. Here are some insights from coaching interventions that can become a guide in overcoming self-limiting leadership styles. 

1. Self – Reflection : effective coaching starts with self-Reflecting. As leaders, we must be willing to explore our inner thoughts and emotions. Regular self assessment and journaling can help us identify patterns of self-doubt and negative assumptions. 
2. Cultivate a Growth Mindset : embracing a growth mindset allows us to view challenges as opportunities for learning and development. By acknowledging that our abilities can be honed through effort and practice, one becomes more open to taking risks and trying new approaches. 
3. Seek Feedback : coaches often emphasize the importance of feedback working as a catalyst for growth. Encourage open and honest feedback from peers, subordinates and mentors to gain valuable insights into areas that need improvement. 
4. Set realistic goals : establishing achievable goals help build confidence and fosters a sense of accomplishment. Break down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks, and celebrate milestones along the way. 
5. Challenge assumptions : question your assumptions about your own leadership styles and abilities with evidence of your accomplishments, successes and achievements. Challenging the inner critic and replacing the  negative self talk with positive self talk and affirmations. 

Practical tips to overcoming self limiting beliefs : 

1. Seek professional coaching : Many successful leaders have benefitted from from professional coaching to address self limiting beliefs. A skilled coach can help you navigate your inner thoughts, identify patterns and provide personalized strategies to overcome these challenges. Coaching allows a safe space to explore vulnerabilities and develop a growth-oriented perspective. 
2. Embracing failure as learning opportunities : leaders who adopt a growth mindset view failures and setbacks as stepping stones towards improvement. Encourage the team to share their failures openly and promote a culture of psychological safety where mistakes are seen as opportunities for learning and growth. 
3. Create a supportive network : surround yourself with mentors and colleagues who can provide guidance and support. Sharing experiences can help overcome self-limiting beliefs and inspire positive changes. 

Drawing Inspiration from Coaching and LCP

Coaching has been instrumental in helping leaders recognize and address their self-limiting beliefs. Leadership Circle Profile (LCP)  offers an integrative approach that goes beyond traditional coaching, combining transformative methods to help clients unleash their full potential. Here are some insights from coaching, incorporating the value of LCP, to guide us in overcoming self-limiting leadership styles:

• Self-Reflection: Effective coaching, including LCP, starts with deep self-reflection. As leaders, we must be willing to explore our inner thoughts and emotions. Regular self-assessment and journaling, guided by LCP techniques, can help us identify patterns of self-doubt and negative assumptions.
• Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Embracing a growth mindset, as encouraged by LCP, allows us to view challenges as opportunities for learning and development. By acknowledging that our abilities can be honed through effort and practice, we become more open to taking risks and trying new approaches.
• Seek Feedback: LCP emphasizes the importance of feedback as a catalyst for growth. Coaches utilizing LCP techniques help clients navigate through feedback loops and utilize them as valuable tools for improvement.
• Set Realistic Goals: LCP techniques aid in establishing achievable goals, helping build confidence and fostering a sense of accomplishment. Coaches support clients in breaking down larger objectives into smaller, manageable tasks, and celebrate milestones along the way.
• Challenge Assumptions: LCP techniques guide clients in questioning their assumptions about their leadership abilities, challenging them with evidence of their accomplishments and successes. This process empowers clients to challenge their inner critic and replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations.

Key Elements of Leadership Circle Profile (LCP):