Growth in leadership is mandatory, not optional. If we fail to grow it’s not a matter of just staying where we are—we become stagnant and fall further and further behind.
Growing as a leader requires that we give up the things that are familiar to us, that we take new steps and do things in new ways. Those actions are what change is made of. The reward lies not in what we get from growth, but in what we become because of our growth.
Here are some daily habits you can take to grow as a leader:
Develop a repertoire of skills. To be the best leader you are capable of being, you need to constantly be mastering new competencies, instead of relying on the skills you already have under your belt. Growing leaders are constantly updating and expanding their skills and knowledge.
Learn through your experiences. The more you experience, the more you know. That means that even the most difficult challenges present an opportunity to engage in that experience, learn the lessons it holds, and apply your new knowledge to whatever comes next.
Challenge your comfort zone. It’s tempting to lull yourself into always doing the same things in the same ways with the same people at the same time with the same results. But there’s no room in that picture for stretching yourself to become better. Get comfortable being uncomfortable, because that’s how you grow.
Focus on the future by being present today. When you’re stuck in the past it can be hard to get unstuck, but when you’re focused on the present you know that everything you do today will affect the future. Growing leaders know that the present is the foundation for the future.
Set the bar high. Most people wonder, “How can I get there faster, quicker, and in a shorter time?” But leaders who are serious about growth are always raising the bar for themselves, not just for others. They keep the bar high and do everything they can to consistently reach it.
Look within. When you first start in position of leadership, you’re more concerned with your external qualities, but as you grow in leadership you rediscover that leading is an internal quality. To lead outwardly you first must learn to lead from within.
Keep asking questions. Growing leaders are always asking questions. Many people believe that leadership is about knowing all the answers, but that’s simply wrong. True leadership is about being inquisitive. When you stop asking questions, you stop growing.
Leverage your weaknesses. It’s easy to play from your strengths, but when you become better acquainted with your own weaknesses and learn to leverage them, you’re positioning yourself to grow as a leader.
Embrace failure. All of us fall at some point; it’s getting up again that counts. Being able to weather failure and recover is a sign of growth—and the source of some of the most important lessons you’ll ever learn.
Work with a coach. The best way to grow as a leader is to have an external support. A coach can help you to become a better version of yourself by guiding you through important decisions, keeping you grounded in difficult times, and helping you understand your purpose and goals. Most importantly, they can help you learn faster from your successes and failures.
Lead from within: Growth is the great separator between those who succeed and those who don’t.
N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
THE LEADERSHIP GAP
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Photo Credit: Getty Images
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.
Paul Towers
01. May, 2018
I like to point on constantly challenging yourself. Your career/experience is a bit like a muscle. You have to constantly push it to the point where it hurts. Your body, or your ability/experience in this case, then grows to adapt and ensure that you can lift that weight easier next time.
Thanks for the insightful post.
Paul
asianwomanleadership
22. May, 2018
20 years of female leadership on Prospect Avenue
Eighteen years ago, when Maura George Simpson ’01 considered joining the leadership of Cloister Inn, she initially saw herself as a vice president.
“I wouldn’t have run for president myself,” she said. “I tried to have one of my [male] friends run — I was going to put him up and run for vice president.”
Then, one of Simpson’s older female friends, who she described as vocal and strong, encouraged her to run. Simpson went for it.
Cathy Lobash
26. May, 2018
Lolly Daskal, Thanks for the insightful post.
Dusan Agbaba
21. Oct, 2018
Dear Lolly
This is a necessary step that we need to make great things.
There’s not a lot of room for adventure and excitement in your comfort zone.To become a pro at taking these chances, learn to think positively about stepping out of your comfort zone. Then you can work to make your new attitude stick with you for the long haul.
Thank you
Dusan