How to Grow as a Leader

We have often heard the one prevailing question surrounding great leaders, and that is: are they born or developed? This is an argument that has endured for many years, and it continues to this very day. As a coach with many decades of experience, I believe that leaders are both born and developed. I believe that all leaders are born with innate qualities and the gift to effectively empower others, and I believe that these individuals were able to achieve success because they committed themselves to developing their leadership capabilities.

Regardless of the innate gifts you were born with, you can still grow as a leader by developing key qualities that will enable you to empower and inspire others. Here are five ways to get started:

1. Read leadership books and articles. Reading books and articles by successful leaders is a terrific way to grow your own capabilities, because it exposes you to alternative leadership styles and techniques that you may not have encountered otherwise.

2. Invest in a leadership coach. Working with a coach is one of the best ways to grow as a leader, because your coach can open your eyes to your blind spots and provide the personalized guidance you’ll need to rapidly improve.

3. Identify a mentor. Looking to a mentor is another great way to grow as a leader. When you’re not sure how to act or what move to make next, you can think about how your mentor would handle this situation, and that can provide you with some much-needed insight.

4. Surround yourself with leaders who inspire you. Network with leaders you one day hope to be like. Surround yourself with inspiring individuals, and you’ll unconsciously push yourself to perform at their level.

5. Volunteer in a leadership role. Practice your leadership skills by volunteering in a leadership capacity at work, in your community, for a local civic group, or at church.