Getting Real: Sarah Bridges on Starting Where You Are in Leadership

Dr. Sarah Bridges, PhD, is the founder and leader of Bridges, with 25 years’ experience as a psychologist, executive coach, speaker, writer and leadership advisor. Dr. Bridges is known for offering challenging, yet practical, solutions to help people break through their own assumptions, discover their potential and build cohesive teams.One of the key takeaways from our chat today is that it’s not about having a lack of resources; it’s really about figuring out your priorities. My mentor dropped that wisdom on me ages ago, and it still rings true: there are never resource problems, just priority problems. We dove into how starting with a clear understanding of where you're at can set the stage for effective personal development and coaching. We also riffed on the importance of alignment—not just with your own goals but also making sure everyone involved is on the same page about where you're starting from. Plus, we had some laughs while unpacking how to tackle those pesky distractions in our work lives, from tech interruptions to the good ol’ “let’s just have one more meeting” trap. So, kick back and enjoy as we explore the nitty-gritty of leadership growth and development!Prioritizing where we start is key in effective leadership development, as discussed in this episode. Sarah Bridges, our expert guest, shares her journey into organizational consulting, revealing that it wasn't a predetermined path but rather a series of serendipitous events that led her there. With a background in psychology and years of experience, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge about the intricacies of coaching and leadership. The conversation delves deep into the common pitfalls leaders face when it comes to assessing their skills and growth areas. One of the standout insights is the concept of misalignment in leadership expectations. Often, leaders think they are making substantial progress, while their supervisors might have an entirely different perspective. This disconnect underscores the importance of having candid conversations about current performance levels and aligning on what success looks like. Sarah's approach involves not just setting ambitious goals, but also understanding the starting line. By taking an honest inventory of where one stands, leaders can cultivate a clear path forward. The episode wraps up with practical advice for leaders and HR professionals alike, emphasizing the power of feedback and the importance of being engaged in the coaching process. Whether you're a leader or someone supporting leaders, this episode is a treasure trove of insights that can help you step up your game and foster a culture of growth and accountability.Takeaways: One of my mentors once told me that there are never resource problems, only priority problems, which totally flipped my perspective. When setting goals, it's crucial to evaluate where you're starting from, not just where you want to go. We all share the same 24 hours in a day, so it's essential to prioritize effectively and delegate where possible. Coaching isn't just about identifying weaknesses; it's about understanding the context and realigning expectations between leaders and their teams. In coaching, gathering 360 feedback is key to understanding performance gaps and aligning on development goals for greater success. Creating an environment conducive to focus can significantly enhance productivity, so turning off distractions is a must. Links for today's show:Sarah's Linked In PageSarah's websiteBridges Ahead Fall RetreatKent's Linked In PagePromoted Leader Playbook**Music for this podcast comes from the song Needle & Thread and is provided with permission by Pert' Near Sandstone. Check them out on PertNeaerSandstone.com and on all major streaming platforms.***Editing by Fynn Gentle / www.fynngentle.com