Robert Hargrove, Executive Coach, wrote recently that a little incompetence is ok when it comes to leadership and leaders should build the two or three leadership muscles “that will help you and your organization to realize your impossible future.” I couldn’t agree more. And this is wisdom not just for C-Level executives but for those who must prepare to take on those roles in the future.

No one can excel at every leadership competency and putting a comprehensive list in front of people who are trying to advance in their careers routinely draws the question “Which ones are you really looking for when you make a promotion decision?”

We’ve found success at developing leadership muscle, and, just as important, giving people the confidence that they are gaining strength, by asking them to take on the extremely challenging task of validating and advancing an innovative idea – a task that requires many different strengths at different stages. In coaching them through the effort, we focus their attention on the two or three strengths they need most at the moment.

Here’s a paraphrased list that Hargrove includes:

1. Empathy
2. Articulating a vision
3. Rallying a team
4. Moving an idea to reality
5. Collaborating with people with different perspectives
6. Making decisions with incomplete information
7. Prioritizing and getting it done

Read Robert Hargrove’s Article | Learn more about Mohr Collaborative programs