At this point, we almost all understand basic technical jargon, especially when it’s associated with items that we use daily. We’ve created abbreviations for words like wireless internet, application, and operating system. And we understand the need for passwords and two-factor authentications when it comes to protecting our electronic accounts and devices. But we can’t just protect them—we need to also take care of them. Repairs and updates are simply part of regular maintenance, and necessary to responsible ownership.

So just as your phone or laptop’s operating system (OS) needs regular updates to work out the bugs, increase the processing speed, fix any development errors, and allow for evolutions as technology advances, we too need to maintain our leadership operating systems (LOS). At Building Champions, we believe that what we think about, believe, and feel will show up in our actions and words—and that is why it’s imperative for a leader to regularly assess how they’re doing internally so that they can show up as their best self externally. In this article, we define what we mean by Leadership Operating System, why it’s important to understand it, and what the components are that make it up.

What is a Leadership Operating System? And why does it matter?

Just as the operating system on your phone quietly runs in the background controlling the speed and processing of your device and impacting its functionality, your Leadership Operating System runs in the background of your mind, impacting how you show up and affecting your responses and reactions to both challenges and opportunities. But before you can begin regularly updating your Leadership Operating System, you first need to understand it. You have an inner gear that controls your outer gear. Your inner gear is centered around your identity (who you truly believe you are whether you realize it or not), and surrounding your identity are your beliefs, thoughts, and feelings. And these internal functions will greatly impact your outer gear which is comprised of your competencies, actions, relationships, and results. Your inner gear turns your outer gear—and that’s what people experience from you.

So, let’s dig into the specific functions of both gears.

The Outer Gear

• Results. Our success, deliverables, and outcomes are measurable. The results we get both in life and work are observable to others and ourselves. Our results are central to the outer gear, and are comprised of our competencies, actions, and relationships.

• Competencies. Our skills, abilities, and strengths are often visible. They’re the qualities that people see us use in life and leadership. They can grow, change, and adapt as we learn. And they can be positively leveraged in our work.

• Actions. These are the disciplines that we work into our daily lives. They are the repeatable behaviors that show up in our routines and on our calendars. People can see the disciplines we prioritize because they’re the actions we regularly take.

• Relationships. These are a bit more difficult to measure, but for the most part it’s easy to understand when your relationships are healthy and when they’re not because the quality of our interactions with others is noticeable. When you’re able to connect with people in a positive and deep way, then your inner gear is functioning well.  

The Inner Gear 

• Identity. Out of our identity will flow our thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. Our identity is where we find our worth. That’s why it’s so important to understand yourself—and find your purpose.

• Thinking. What you think about matters. Your thoughts and ideas impact your actions. The content (books, movies, podcast episodes, shows) that you absorb will affect your thoughts both positively and negatively.

• Feeling. Our emotions tell us so much. That’s why they’re important to understand and listen to. And when you’re able to process your emotions and assign words to what you’re feeling, you’re better able to discern how they’re showing up in your outer gear.

• Believing. We all have narratives parading through our minds telling us who we are and who we believe others to be. The stories we tell ourselves must be examined. And if what you’re believing about yourself and those around you is uplifting, true, and helpful, then consider how those beliefs are positively influencing your outer gear. But if those beliefs are untrue, negative, and limiting, then uproot them and stop them from negatively influencing your outer gear.

What we think, feel, and believe really does drive everything we do (or don’t do). So don’t limit yourself by believing false narratives. You have so much to give to those around you! Take some time to think through the components of your inner gear to discern how it’s showing up in your outer gear—and impacting your life and leadership.

And if you’d love to discuss your Leadership Operating System (LOS) with a coach, we’d love to work with you. Learn more about our Leadership Coaching engagement below! And schedule a complimentary no-strings-attached discovery call to see how we might best partner with you in your leadership journey.