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Are you seeking a greater role in your organization but are limited by the proverbial glass ceiling? Do you want to grow as a leader but don't have the opportunity to learn new skills and grow in leadership competencies? Is frustration setting in because you are not provided with opportunities to develop as a leader? The following list provides you with ways that you can grow as a leader right now.
1. Ask a trusted colleague what you need to work on and where you are gifted. We all have areas to grow in our leadership. Most of us don't have a healthy self-image and can't see what others can see about us. Both the good and the bad are shielded from our personal view. Blind spots are those areas we can't see that could use attention to turn a weakness into a strength. Asking a trusted colleague for honest feedback catapults the relationship to a vulnerable place fairly quickly.
Choose a colleague you have a good relationship with, someone you trust. Make it someone you can receive from easily, even if he or she has some difficult things to say. You may need to convince the colleague that you want honest feedback so be willing to press them for something beyond the first thing he or she comes up with. Just as it may be uncomfortable for you to ask, it may be uncomfortable for your colleague to be honest, so test the waters and ask for more beyond the initial feedback.
Also, asking for areas others see as proficiencies will give you a well-rounded picture of your abilities. You cannot live on a diet of constructive criticism alone. Getting a more complete picture of yourself can provide the confidence you need to move on in your leadership journey. Realizing that others see you as having ability in an area you did not yet perceive can change the trajectory of your career or ministry.
2. Complete personality and leadership assessments in order to get to know yourself better. The market has been inundated with different assessments that are meant to help you understand who you are. Some of these assessments target your personality, providing an understanding as to why you act the way that you do. Some assessments target competencies, providing an understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. Still other assessments provide an understanding of specific skills and abilities associated with leadership.
The common denominator in all of these assessments is providing the individual with the ability to improve self awareness. When results from these assessments are given, you should see yourself in the report.
Some popular assessments to consider are the DISC or Meyers-Briggs assessments. These provide a snapshot of temperament and personality that should enlighten you as to why you act the way you do. Another recommended assessment is Gallop's StrengthFinder. It provides you with a list of competencies that are strengths. Getting more proficient in the areas of strength maximizes your leadership ability more than focusing on improving your weaknesses.
3. Expose yourself to theories and ideas about leadership that are currently unfamiliar.Read leadership books. The old adage that leaders are readers is not just a rhyming gimmick. Perhaps the single biggest way people grow is to be exposed to new ideas that challenge and motivate change. There are bookshelves in your local library or bookstore devoted to leadership. Amazon.com provides 156 pages of options when the term "leadership" is searched in their book index. Find a resource that inspires you and speaks a leadership language that can receive.
Authors such as Steven Covey, John Maxwell, and Patrick Lencioni provide the reader with leadership concepts meant to be incorporated at work. Other authors like Peter Northouse and Edwin Schein are among leadership researchers who provide readers with exposure to relevant leadership theory. Ask a colleague you admire for a book recommendation and go from there.
Another great way for you to be exposed to leadership theories and ideas is to complete a leadership course offered at your workplace or online. Leadership is an ever-growing academic discipline that reinforces theory with practical exercise. A great place to start is to attend a leadership conference your workplace might endorse. If there are no options there, google leadership conference and you will find a plethora of opportunities. Stretching your mind to new leadership theory will maximize your ability.
4. Practice leadership in your sphere of influence. You don't have to wait for a title in order to practice good leadership. Choose to make a difference wherever you are in the organization. Leadership can be exercised in every direction—up, down, and horizontally. No matter your position, leading well will influence your boss, your followers, and your colleagues. Work at being the leader you want to be before the title is given to you. Genuinely care for the people in your workplace and you will garner trust and respect from colleagues.
Volunteer for assignments that stretch your abilities. Keep your eyes open for opportunities that others may see as inconvenient. If you see a leadership facet to these opportunities, seek them out by letting it be known that you are willing. By serving the organization in this way, you communicate that you are a team player and are sharpening your leadership skills. These practices will develop the competencies you need to become a more effective leader in the future.
5. Let your boss know you are interested in growing. To be successful in developing as a leader, The Center for Creative Leadership recommends that you seek support. When a boss knows that an employee desires growth, she may enhance the opportunities that are available. This is especially true when the employee is volunteering for assignments that others are hesitant to accept. Regardless of her immediate reaction, continue to let her know you are interested.
Gauge your boss's response to your desire and appropriately follow up as needed. Each work situation is different, and learning to navigate the relationship with the boss is a great leadership competency in itself. Do not lose sight of the fact that to be effective as a leader, you need to have the right amount of tact and tenacity. Practice this with the boss. If you have a good working relationship, ask her for feedback where you need to improve.
By incorporating these steps at work, not only will you change the way people view your leadership, you will change the way you look at yourself. You will enhance your own self-awareness. Grow, leader, grow.
 | Andy Zawacki, a former pastor and teacher has a passion for developing leaders who will change the world. He serves as the Head of School at Arborbrook Christian Academy. He is married to Michelle and is dad to triplets, Josh, Anna and Christie. Learn More » |
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