Investing In Leadership Starts With Self-Leadership by Cindy Stradling CSL, CPC
One of the key hallmarks of success in leaders is the focus on continual personal and professional growth. For these leaders, the way to ensure they continue to provide a vital role in their organization is never to assume they know it all, have all the answers, or that they have reached the summit of their personal and professional growth.
In the past, leaders were often seen as the absolute authority in a company or organization. While some businesses still operate using that model, they are becoming dinosaurs in the business world. Today, organizations are looking for up and coming and current leaders who focus on their own self-growth to develop a dynamic, evolving, and responsive leadership team.
Getting Started
Personal and professional growth is interconnected. For example, learning how to communicate more effectively makes you a better leader. It also makes you a better friend, parent, partner, spouse, or neighbor.
Many people assume that professional development is all about credentials, degrees, or other types of tangible goals and objectives. In reality, investing in becoming a better person is often the first step on the path to lifelong learning and self-leadership development.
The Investment
The investment is both in time and money. Some professionals may find their company offers leadership and executive coaching, mentoring programs, professional development opportunities, or group training sessions. Take advantage of these opportunities and incorporate what you learn into your daily experiences.
There are different numbers and percentages to consider when it comes to privately funding your personal and professional growth. Most personal and professional development experts recommend a minimum amount of 3% of your salary when starting, with increasing amounts as you progress in your leadership role.
The Benefits
Investing in personal and professional growth keeps any leader in touch with the real-world applications and implications of their decisions. It is also essential to stay curious and to develop a “beginner’s mindset.” This mindset allows you to get rid of old assumptions, perspectives, and ways of doing things to become more innovative and responsive in a constantly changing world.
Of course, increasing specific skills is a benefit of professional self-leadership development. As humans, we are creatures of habit. Until we understand options, we are destined to continue to use specific behaviors and methods, even if they are no longer effective.
Finally, people who focus on self-development are happier and more fulfilled in their life. They take charge of their future and their direction. They find ways to work in inspiring, motivating, and engaging areas in continuing to report high levels of self-satisfaction, achievement, and empowerment in their life.