Are You Cultivating Your Leadership?
My employer offers all employees 12 learning days a year.
Today, I took the day off to learn about “Managing in Complexity”. Peers at work often ask me how I manage to free up a day a month to learn. My answer usually is: “I can’t afford not to!”.
Leadership is not a static quality but a dynamic journey
Depending on the books you read, the essence of leadership lies in adaptability, humility, and an unceasing desire to learn and improve. These are not just lofty ideals but practical goals for anyone aspiring to make a significant impact in their professional (and personal) lives. Today, I want to talk about a leader’s desire to learn.
A desire to learn and improve is what keeps leaders at the top of their game. After all, If you aspire to have a significant impact, your investments in yourself should align with your ambition.
I remember about a decade ago, I attended an IT conference in Québec City. Participants were learning about the Microsoft Cloud. The room was evenly divided between technical employees specializing in networking equipment and appliance configurations, and leaders who wanted to offload the hassle of managing appliances to the Amazon and Microsoft of the world. Technical resources were seeing problems after problems, refusing to learn about the cloud. Who do you think is still employed as you read this?
Thomas Strider
If your goal is to have a significant impact, your personal and professional development should reflect this. Instead of doubling down on the overwhelming need to be you…invest in yourself by:
- Setting Clear Goals: Define what impact means to you and set specific, measurable goals to achieve it.
- Lifelong Learning: Commit to never-ending education, whether through formal courses, reading, or hands-on experiences.
- Building a Network: Surround yourself with people who inspire you and can provide diverse perspectives.
- Self-Care: Remember that a sharp mind needs a healthy body, so prioritize your well-being.
By aligning your investments in yourself with your ambition, you not only grow as a leader but also pave the way for others to follow.
Remember, the journey of leadership is one of perpetual growth, and each step forward is a step towards greater impact.
