A leader needs a specific mindset—one for growth, resilience, and, most importantly, constant development. Your way of thinking shapes your attitude towards growth and your approach to challenges.
It marks the starting point for any significant change, and you must pay attention to your mindset. If you don’t have the right mindset, people may not see your leadership potential. You might also have trouble finding motivation or figuring out how to move forward.
Key Takeaways
- Recognize when you need to change your leadership mindset.
- Honestly assess your leadership style.
- Develop a tangible plan for your and your team’s leadership growth.
- Lead by example—you must first invest in your leadership development.
- Support the growth of other potential leaders within your organization.
- Think of multiplication rather than addition—extend your influence by developing new leaders.
The Need for Change
Do you ever feel like you’re making all the decisions? And that without you the organization or your team might just fall apart.
While that’s true, it doesn’t have to be. With a multiplication mindset, you can significantly increase your impact on tomorrow’s leaders. You can give them the chance to grow with your organization.
“The first step toward change is awareness. The second step is acceptance.” Nathaniel Branden
The journey into leadership development usually starts with a feeling. A pressure to evolve or address discontent in your current role. This pressure propels us to initiate change. It acts as a signpost, guiding us on the path to personal development and highlighting areas that need innovation.
I remember in one of our businesses where it felt like every decision was mine. I felt I couldn’t walk away from pulling all the levers in the company because ultimately things were working. I had a good, high-paying job, but every responsibility was mine.
I was good at tactical decisions, and getting people to make in-the-moment decisions. But I wasn’t expanding or improving in leadership. That’s when I felt this pressure, and it started with the idea that the weight of the world was on my shoulders.
To develop a Multiplication Mindset, first understand the pressure and reasons for wanting to change.
This need for change allowed me to think bigger about the business. Not just my responsibilities of leadership, or role within the team. But how I could lead others so that we could have this exponential multiplying effect within our company.
Assessing Reality
Think of these first two phases as part of a medical diagnosis. At first, you notice the symptoms, or in this case, this pressure and need for change. But, to determine how to treat something you must first understand the cause or in this case, assess your reality.
If you only use medicine to treat pain without knowing the cause, you are only temporarily relieving symptoms. You are not actually solving the main problem.
This exact issue happened in our hosting company. I stepped down as the CEO and we experienced the exact problems I was trying to solve in the first place.
Actually, the board asked for my removal. Side note – I was one of the board members who was outvoted. Yep, pretty tough day as you can imagine. Well, back to the story.
Leaving the organization made me realize that reality was different from the one I had created in my mind. I incorrectly assessed that I was pulling more levers than I realized. And that business was in a lot of trouble when I stepped away.
But what was happening there was this pressure that I had to make all the decisions for the company. And so an incorrect decision on a bad assessment.
Looking within will play a critical role in your leadership journey. Pinpoint where you stand, understand your strengths, and acknowledge your weaknesses. That’s when you can start mapping out a plan to improve your strategies.
Plan to Invest in Your Leadership Development
Now that you’ve fully diagnosed your current leadership role and what you might need to change, you can start planning how to do that.
Setting aside time for leadership development can be challenging, especially amidst personal responsibilities. It involves an exchange—saying ‘no’ to certain things to say ‘yes’ to development opportunities. Whether this entails pursuing leadership courses, seeking mentorship, or embracing new leadership methods, a solid plan ensures structured progress.
Leadership demands perseverance, especially during trials that test your decisions and strategies. Getting advice from mentors can help you overcome challenges and continue on the path of leadership growth.
At the core of leadership development is self-improvement. Leaders should consistently seek to better themselves through education, practice, and reflection. This investment benefits you by improving your leadership skills and setting a positive example for others to follow.
The Multiplication of Leadership
The pinnacle of leadership development is the ability to relinquish autonomy in favor of shared decision-making and empowerment. By spreading leadership across your organization, you ensure sustainable progress and foster a legacy of effective, distributed, and multiplied leadership.
Investing in potential leaders within your organization is a risk, but crucial to leadership development. You must commit to mentorship and development despite possible setbacks.
But true leadership isn’t just about delegating tasks; it’s about delegating decision-making authority. To grow, leaders need to trust their team to make important decisions that affect the company’s direction, not just daily tasks.
Identifying and nurturing future leaders allows you to multiply your impact and create a shared growth environment.
Why Leadership Development Matters
Delving into leadership development unlocks a world of opportunities—not just for the leader but for the entire organization. It catalyzes personal growth, shapes workplace culture positively, and leads to higher working success. Most importantly, it nurtures the next generation of leaders, extending influence beyond just the individual.
Leadership development goes beyond solving day-to-day problems—it requires a strategic vision for the future. True leadership isn’t just about making tactical decisions. It’s also about cultivating a broader perspective and preparing yourself and others for future challenges.
Conclusion: Leadership is an Ongoing Growth Process
Leadership development is an ongoing process that requires determination, honesty with yourself, and a commitment to empower others.
Embracing the right mindset and dedicating yourself to these principles lets you experience the profound impact through leadership multiplication. A legacy that lasts within the organizations you’ve touched, one that grows beyond your shadows.
FAQs
What is effective leadership development?
Effective leadership development is the intentional process of enhancing one’s skills and mindset to lead others efficiently. It involves self-growth, learning to navigate complexity, and teaching others to do the same.
How does one start the process of leadership development?
To begin leadership development, acknowledge the need for change. Next, evaluate your current leadership skills honestly, formulate an improvement plan, and commit to ongoing learning and growth.
What are the benefits of investing in leadership development?
Leadership development investment strengthens organizations, improves decision-making, enhances teamwork, and helps achieve goals more effectively.
Can I learn leadership skills, or are they innate?
You can improve leadership skills with practice, even if some people are naturally better at certain leadership qualities. Continuous education and experience play vital roles in developing these skills.
How do I know if I am making progress in my leadership development?
Progress in leadership development can come in many different ways. Improving leadership skills can lead to better teamwork, trust, and independence among team members. Positive feedback and personal growth can also boost self-confidence.
How often should one assess their leadership development?
Regular self-assessment is crucial in leadership development. This may vary from quarterly to annually, depending on personal goals and the context of your leadership role.
By having the right mindset and working on your leadership skills, you can set yourself up for success. This not only helps your career but also benefits your organization and its culture.
About Beyond Your Shadow
At Beyond Your Shadow, we recognize that a leader’s shadow casts a profound impact on the organization. We help leaders find their strengths and areas to improve in their leadership style. This creates a positive impact on their teams and company.