Senior Executive Leaders spend their time on the big picture, and not enough time to discuss how the big picture is achieved beyond the elaborate processes, policies and structures designed.

As they easily get bogged down with the everyday problems and routine of running and growing a business. Over time, it has become important for C-suites to move beyond the routine tasks in attending to board requests, compliance deviations, complex HR problems, strategy conversation and pay attention to how the team interacts, collaborates, and solves problems together to succeed as a business.

Take a few minutes and ponder these three litmus test questions that will help you stand out as an extraordinary leader as you deeper Commitment, Trust, and Inclusion with your team.

1. Commitment: Am you an Active Listener?

How well do you listen?

When you ask questions, are you actively listening to the responses with empathy? Do you distort listening because you believe already have the answer before the question is fully asked? Do you ask questions about the wellbeing of people because you care or because it is business formality & etiquette to do so?

Connect and create inclusive experiences through active listening and empathy for your team members to feel that they’re part of a bigger mission and their inputs and contributions are valuable.

Research have shown that the attention spans of people start to shrink after 12 minutes. Spend at least 5 minutes interacting and listening to the teams regularly. Genuinely ask personal (not intrusive) questions, show interest in the personal development and well-being of your team, and remember their responses towards your next conversation. Share interesting learnings with them and laugh with them as often as possible.

People like to know that their bosses are genuinely interested in them and not just about the work. Listen beyond the words that are spoken. Show empathy and be committed to the well-being of your team. It is a major part of your success story.

2. Trust: Am you Willing & Able to show Vulnerability?

Am you able to build trust by letting your team know that you don’t have all the answers?

Leaders frequently fall into the pattern of providing all the answers. In this our new world (post pandemic) and the level of corporate and economic uncertainty, it is more credible to let your team know that you don’t have a crystal ball, and you count on their inputs, knowledge, and experience for the team to win.

How often do you ask your team – What do you think we should do? This question is not only engaging but empowering and enabling to team members and subordinates. Do not expect that they will instantly have the answers – if they do Bravo! It is equally fine if they don’t, it is learning and capacity building for them. They see and understand the real situation and understand how decisions are been made. Leaders must be inclusive and seen as a ‘real person’ and not a demi-god.

3. Inclusion: Am you acting on behalf of the greater good?

Are your decisions based on the greater good for all?

Thinking beyond your overall responsibilities and being accountable to make and execute decisions leader, with an eye toward the greater good is imperative for any business leader.

Inclusion is a key part of aligning and engaging with teams. Make them feel inclusive and simply not another ‘work tools’ to achieve business results.

Unprecedented times like this have shown that an inclusiveness with an open mindset to change, uncommon knowledge and experience is foolproof to any successful leader.

Revisit these questions frequently and make the desired change you need to succeed me as Leader.