As a driver and a passenger, I dislike roundabouts, even though I know they are statistically safer than other intersections. Yet, even with my discomfort going counterclockwise, I didn’t detect until recently my hypocrisy as a human being and leadership coach.

Asking coaching clients to try counterintuitive leadership practices can probably be just as uncomfortable for them as roundabouts are for me. These leadership practices may seem more than counterintuitive; they may even feel wrong since they go against muscle memory, instincts and common sense.

In this article for the Forbes Coaches Council, 4 counterintuitive practices to make you a better leader, I describe my favorite counterintuitive leadership practices that are worth trying, especially since the research strongly supports them. And doing them consistently can make you a better leader.

However, trying them can be challenging, especially if these new behaviors go against your muscle memory, instincts, and common sense. Similar to roundabouts though, the awkwardness you initially feel can eventually turn into a new way of working with enough repetitions. In the interim, though, please have compassion for yourself.

As for me, I’m certainly committed to being more compassionate and empathetic than I’ve been to date.