Why You’re Not Growing as a Leader and How to Fix It
Here’s the harsh reality: as a leader, you’re not doing enough to continuously improve. That might be tough to hear, but acknowledging this truth is the first step towards becoming a better leader. It’s okay to feel like you’re not there yet—none of us are. That’s why we’re here, to push ourselves and each other to relentlessly pursue personal growth. In this edition of "The Leadership Lighthouse," we confront some hard truths about leadership and provide actionable steps to ensure you are not just maintaining but excelling in your role.
Uncomfortable Truths of Leadership:
The “Higher” You Go, The Less Feedback You Get:
As you ascend in leadership, you’ll notice that honest feedback becomes increasingly scarce. This phenomenon occurs because your role inherently carries significant weight and authority, which can intimidate even the most forthright colleagues. They might fear repercussions or simply believe that their feedback won’t make a difference. This isolation can lead to blind spots in your decision-making process and stifle your growth as a leader. For more on this paradox, read our full article:
Great Leadership Mentors Are Rare:
Finding exceptional mentors who can guide you through the complexities of leadership is akin to finding a needle in a haystack. Many leaders navigate their roles with little guidance, often feeling like they’re flying blind. This scarcity of mentorship means that many potential leaders miss out on critical insights and growth opportunities. However, your presence here shows you’re seeking clarity and direction. To understand more about the rarity of great leadership, read:
You Aren’t Allocating Enough Energy Towards Improving Your Leadership Skills:
It’s common for leaders to be so focused on their team's needs that they neglect their own development. This well-meaning oversight can cap your growth potential. While ensuring your team has everything they need is crucial, it often leaves little time for personal growth. Recognizing this limitation is the first step toward breaking through and reaching new heights in your leadership. Effective leadership requires a continuous commitment to self-improvement, which means dedicating specific time and resources to your own development.
Great, Now What?
The good news is that you are in complete control of the situation and there are numerous resources available to help you. Here are steps you can take:
Stop EVERYTHING and Reflect:
Take a moment to review your past week. Identify specific actions or decisions you wish you had handled better. This reflection isn’t about self-criticism but about recognizing areas for growth. Be honest with yourself—there's always something to improve. This process will give you a clear starting point for your development journey. Write down these reflections and categorize them by skill, behavior, or outcome. This will help you prioritize and tackle them systematically. Here’s a few things to look out for:
Seek Out Resources:
Once you’ve identified areas for improvement, find materials that address these gaps. This newsletter is a great resource, but don’t stop here. Explore books, articles, and other leadership content. Check out our recommended readings for more insights. Diversify your learning sources to gain a broad perspective. Join leadership forums, attend webinars, and participate in workshops to continually expose yourself to new ideas and practices. Engage with thought leaders on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to stay updated on the latest in leadership trends and strategies. Check out my favorite books and resources for more insights:
Find a Mentor:
Great mentors are rare, but they are invaluable. Start by looking within your organization or professional network for someone whose leadership style you admire. Reach out with a clear, concise message explaining why you’re seeking their mentorship and what you hope to gain.
I offer leadership coaching services through my company and so does my podcast co-host Bob Galen. Additionally, consider joining professional organizations or leadership groups where mentorship is part of the membership benefits. Utilize online platforms like LinkedIn to connect with potential mentors by engaging with their content, joining relevant groups, and participating in discussions.
Be a Great Mentee:
Finding a mentor is only half the battle; being a great mentee is crucial to maximizing this relationship. Come prepared to each meeting with specific questions or topics you need help with. Show appreciation for their time and insights by actively listening and applying their advice. Provide feedback on how their guidance has impacted your leadership journey, and be open to constructive criticism. Respect their time by keeping meetings focused and punctual. Demonstrating your commitment and gratitude will help build a strong, productive mentoring relationship.
Communicate with Your Team:
Be transparent with your team about your efforts to improve. This won’t magically create an endless supply of feedback, but it will build a culture of openness and mutual respect. Your team will appreciate your honesty and be more likely to support you as you try new strategies. Encourage your team to share their feedback and insights, creating a two-way communication flow that benefits everyone. Regularly solicit their opinions on how you can improve and make it clear that their input is valued.
Repeat the Process:
Continuous improvement is a never-ending journey. After addressing one area, identify the next aspect of your leadership to refine and start the process again. This iterative approach ensures ongoing development and prevents complacency. Set regular intervals (e.g., monthly or quarterly) to review your progress, reflect on new challenges, and adjust your development plan accordingly. This structured approach will help you stay focused and committed to your growth.
The Power of Compounding Improvement:
The benefits of this approach are exponential. A truly great leader has a profound impact on an entire organization, catalyzing the creation of other great leaders and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. By focusing on your growth, you set a powerful example that can transform the organizational culture into one of relentless improvement and excellence.
Conclusion:
Leadership demands constant growth and adaptation. By routinely taking stock of your abilities, seeking out resources, finding mentors, and maintaining open communication with your team, you can overcome the inherent challenges of leadership and drive exponential growth within your organization. Embrace this journey of continuous improvement, and watch as it transforms not only your leadership but the entire organization.
Stay relentless,
Josh Anderson
Editor-in-Chief
The Leadership Lighthouse
Are You Ready to Break Through Your Leadership Ceiling?
Let’s face it, leading isn’t easy. It’s a journey filled with challenges, but also incredible opportunities for growth. If you’re feeling stuck, or just know there’s more potential waiting to be unlocked, then it’s time to take action.
That’s where I come in. At my company Kazi, we’re all about helping leaders like you smash through those barriers and reach new heights. Whether you’re looking for top-notch mentorship, cutting-edge resources, or personalized guidance, we’ve got you covered.
Why Kazi?
Exceptional Mentorship: Get paired with seasoned leaders who have been there, done that, and are ready to share their wisdom.
Tailored Resources: Dive into a wealth of materials designed to push your leadership skills to the next level.
Continuous Support: We’re with you every step of the way, offering insights, feedback, and encouragement.
Leadership is a journey, and you don’t have to go it alone. Let Kazi be your guide to continuous improvement and extraordinary success.
Ready to take the next step? Let’s turn those leadership dreams into reality. Reach out to us today and start your transformation!