How Leaders Grow
How Leaders Grow
Eight relationships high developed leaders cultivate
How do leaders grow? Recently, that question has been the object of my curiosity.
I’m not too surprised. When a leader grows, it’s evidence I’ve done my job. I aim to help leaders grow, not just get smarter.
Fortunately, I get to witness a lot of growth. Of course, each situation is unique, but I have noticed some patterns.
In my experience, highly developed leaders focus on eight key relationships. Let me explain:
Self - they are highly self-aware and focused on personal well-being.
Others - they value and appreciate their interdependence and desire to serve others.
Challenges - they know the obstacle is the way* and appreciate challenges.
Pleasure - they value temperance and regard it as a virtue, not a burden.
Money & possessions - their financial house is in order.
Feedback - they view feedback as a gift, not a threat.
Goals / Projects - they consistently have something they are running towards.
Knowledge - the best evidence of their humility is their thirst for knowledge.
Many growing leaders don’t talk about growth. They talk more about the lifestyle they want to live.
I find this fascinating. It seems like growth is the byproduct of their life, not the reason they live a particular way.
To be clear, the list above is not empirical evidence. But I find it instructive. I want to share a few additional observations:
Growing leaders thrive in a mundane routine.
Although many of the items listed above can be addressed in a classroom setting, the application, not the knowledge, produces growth.
Many items listed above are executed outside the “9 am-5 pm” typical workday.
Growing leaders focus on process, not results.
Growing leaders don’t mind sweat. I mean that literally and metaphorically. They seem to know easy isn’t always good and hard isn’t always bad.
Growing leaders use words like “us, we, and our” WAY more than words like “me, mine, my, I.”
It seems like growing leaders follow Dave Ramsey’s advice. “If you will live like no one else now, you can live like no one else later.” Growing leaders aren’t smarter; they live differently.
I’m curious to hear from you. What have you seen? How have you grown? What situations, circumstances, or experiences have catalyzed growth in your leadership journey? Hit reply or leave a comment.
*From Ryan Holiday’s excellent book entitled The Obstacle Is the Way