Let’s start with three core truths to effective leadership. Being an effective leader:
- Is important.
- Is complicated.
- Requires continual skill development.
Yet, despite the complexities and complications of effective leadership, there are simple, easy ways to begin developing any leadership skill. Today’s suggestions are by no means a complete list of skill building methods. But these three simple approaches can get you started and then help you continue to grow as a leader.
Where to Begin
Before we get to these three ways though, a thought on prioritization. You can’t be a better leader in every dimension all at once. Spend time thinking about the feedback you have received, the situations you have faced, and your strengths and weaknesses. Use all of this to determine which one or two leadership skills you want to focus on at any given time. It could be for a month, a quarter, or a year. Once you have a clear learning focus, then begin applying these approaches.
Learn from experts
An expert is someone who has been there, done that, studied that, or tried that – preferably all of them. Read their work, listen to their podcasts and interviews, take their courses and programs. You can learn from thought leaders on any leadership skill you want – most of them instantly and for free. (You are doing it right now!) And with a quick connection on LinkedIn, you might even get your specific questions answered!
Learn from peers
Chances are someone around you is working on the same skill you are. You likely know someone who is a bit better at it than you. They have already taken your chosen skill path and are ahead of you on that journey. Reach out to those people to learn from them. Or find others who want to work on the same skills you do and follow your learning path together. You can also learn from those you lead. They can be a source of valuable insight into your strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots.
Learn from yourself
Self-reflection is a powerful learning process. Look at your efforts and results each day to determine what to repeat and what to adjust. You can do this anytime at no cost. While acknowledging your own perspective is important, doing so without either of the other two will limit your effectiveness.
Sometimes we make things too hard. While leadership is complex, the path to improvement doesn’t have to be. Frequent and diligent use of these three approaches will predictably improve your effectiveness and confidence as a leader.
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