Want to grow in your leadership? Practice.
I frequently have new clients who share that their number one goal is to improve their leadership skills – and they are hopeful that together that I will impart lessons they can apply – sort of like a recipe they can follow. That kind of skill acquisition is one part of the development process – but I find that the most important element of developing leadership capacity is understanding HOW leadership grows. It’s less a recipe we follow and more a practice we integrate into our daily work.
Consider this tale from my teaching days: Craig was a “regular” in all my leadership classes. He enrolled in every course and even sat in the same seat each time. Attentive and engaged, he was interested in the subject matter and considered “leadership” an academic hobby of sorts. Outside of class, he read biz-lit memoirs and how-to books by prominent leaders – and he always did the homework and supplemental reading for class. His goal? To use all the resources to find ALL the instructions on How to Become a Leader. He would scour the readings seeking the behaviors that he should emulate and follow the advice contained to a “T.”
Craig’s approach sounds – on the surface – like a sound one. He was seeking the skills he believed he needed to create himself in the image of the leaders he researched. I cannot fault his enthusiasm nor his tenacity – and there is a lot to be said for using lessons from others to improve yourself. Still, I encouraged him to develop his own leadership style – rather than cookie-cutter following that of others, is more authentic.
Craig found it easier to follow instructions than to follow his heart. When you are eager to grow in your leadership to others, start with remembering that leadership is something that develops over time with practice and patience.
Looking for ways to authentically create opportunities to grow your leadership capacity? Remember these 4 key principles:
Leadership is something you practice, but never truly master.
Yoga is a practice. The heart of yoga is the breathing and the awareness of your body’s movements – not the accomplishment of the poses. The poses are the tool you use to practice breathing and being aware of your body, but the depth of the practice is the breathing. Leadership is a practice as well. The opportunities to influence others are your tools to become aware of your skills and areas for growth. Always be looking for opportunities to grow but never consider the process complete.
Leadership grows when you commit to your own self-development.
Authenticity in a world where we are confronted with ways we should think, look, be, talk … whatever … can be a challenge. Spending time in reflection helps you to connect to your unique skills and talents. I believe that a regular study in self-development can be useful – from something quick to reading a weekly newsletter or blog with your coffee to working with a professional coach or pursuing a credential. No matter what it is, ensuring that you are connecting with ideas about leading others is most helpful when coupled with a bit of reflection on how you can apply what you learn.
Experience is a great teacher: get in the ring and stay off the sidelines.
Craig, the student above, didn’t ever seek leadership positions on campus. He didn’t volunteer to lead projects in class, either. He was an amicable guy, easy to be around, and his peers listened to him. But he didn’t test his mettle in low-stakes positions, which causes me to wonder if he sought opportunities out in his workplace or community as an adult. If you want to foster your leadership skills, then you have to get off the bench and take a chance.
Keep it about the people you are leading rather than the leader you are becoming.
When Craig sought to create in himself a Perfect Leader, he was blind to the situational aspects that make great leaders – at its heart, leadership is about taking care of others and helping them succeed. Whenever you find yourself frustrated by the reactions of those following you, try to re-focus on their needs rather than your own actions.
Do I practice what I preach? You bet I do!
Just like with all skills we develop, everyone finds the pathway that works best for them. For me, I find that taking on active leadership roles in my community and professional organization are the perfect environment for practicing my skills. Additionally, I always have a biz-lit book I am reading, just a bit at a time, most days. Through hands-on practice and reflecting on new material, my understanding of myself as a leader deepens so that I am able to be effective when the opportunity to lead presents itself!
