Learning Leadership

“Being a leader is not about having all the answers; it’s about being curious, open to learning, and ready to grow.”

1. Everyone can be a leader if they believe in themselves

Many people think leaders are born with unique gifts, but this isn’t true. Leadership isn’t an exclusive trait; it’s a skill anyone can develop. The first step to becoming a good leader is believing in yourself and understanding that the ability already lies within you.

Reflect on your life experiences. Consider the challenges you've faced and what they’ve taught you. How did you overcome them? What encouragement or tools helped? These personal victories serve as a foundation to inspire and lead others. Recognizing your strengths builds the confidence needed to begin your leadership journey.

Self-awareness exercises can anchor this belief. One effective activity involves starting your day by asking yourself four questions: “Who am I? What do I do? How do I make a difference? What will I do today that truly matters?” Documenting these answers gives you daily motivation and a roadmap to achieve your goals.

Examples

• David Maister, a consultant, attributes his ongoing success to his constant belief in staying informed and learning.
• Writing down your daily purpose ensures you stay focused and grounded, even in rough moments.
• Reflecting on challenges you've overcome builds confidence and prepares you to lead by example.

2. Leaders look ahead and prepare for the future

Great leadership doesn’t just focus on the present; it predicts what lies ahead. Observing today’s events helps effective leaders anticipate future challenges. This forward-thinking approach keeps teams ready and relevant in a constantly transforming world.

Imagining yourself as a leader ten years from now is a helpful exercise. Picture the changes your team may need – new skills, tools, or ways of working. Use current trends as clues. While this exercise might seem theoretical, it shapes your mindset to stay adaptable and proactive.

Moreover, strong leaders prioritize their team over themselves. By setting clear goals and supporting collective success, leaders ensure mutual growth and satisfaction. As Alan Daddow discovered during his tenure at Elders, his most rewarding moments stemmed from empowering his team rather than personal achievements.

Examples

• Leaders at tech companies often revise their strategies by observing advancements in AI and automation.
• By imagining what tools their team might need in a decade, managers can equip employees with cutting-edge resources early.
• Alan Daddow’s mindset switch – from self to team focus – turned challenging leadership moments into fulfilling accomplishments.

3. Growth means embracing challenges and learning from mistakes

Real leadership grows from stepping outside your comfort zone. Challenges aren’t just obstacles; they’re opportunities to learn and evolve. Leaders face difficult situations daily, and handling these well requires courage and determination.

Leaders should approach failure like baseball players. A good player strikes out 75% of the time, but they seek improvement with every swing. Similarly, every failure is a chance to assess and improve. It’s about striving for progress, not perfection, and having the persistence to keep going.

To cultivate courage, reflect on times you've overcome fear. Maybe you applied for a job you weren’t fully qualified for or handled a tough conversation. Recognizing these moments helps you face future fears with more confidence and resilience.

Examples

• Baseball players treat post-game losses as valuable learning moments that drive better performance next season.
• Leaders who set stretch goals for themselves step beyond routine tasks and grow in unexpected ways.
• Reflecting on past courageous acts builds a mental toolkit for tackling new challenges without hesitation.

4. Seeking help and building relationships is essential

Being a leader doesn’t mean going it alone. Strong leaders are open to support, ask for help, and value their relationships. Whether from mentors, peers, or team members, collaboration strengthens both leaders and their initiatives.

Strong bonds with others create support systems. From Nobel Prize winners to Oscar recipients, achievers consistently thank those who shaped their paths. Relationships don’t only fuel success; they also promote overall well-being. Studies, such as Harvard’s research on health, confirm that connection plays a major role in life satisfaction.

Accepting feedback also plays a critical role. Cultivate transparency in your team by inviting honest input. After meetings, ask a trusted colleague how your actions impacted the discussion. Learning to welcome this feedback – without defensiveness – helps refine your leadership abilities.

Examples

• After receiving regular feedback on communication style, a manager improved team meetings significantly.
• George Vaillant’s research connects successful lives to healthy relationships, both personal and professional.
• Mentors offer invaluable advice, providing insights from years of experience that emerging leaders may lack.

5. Leadership grows with consistent daily practice

Skill mastery doesn’t come overnight. Becoming a great leader requires daily effort, rigorous practice, and a commitment to learning. This consistency transforms initial efforts into habits, driving tangible growth.

Identify areas of improvement and tackle them incrementally. For example, if public speaking isn’t a strength, practice small fixes, like making eye contact with three audience members. Slowly stretch beyond that until the skill feels natural over time.

Reflection also supports growth. Leaders like Harry Kraemer dedicate time at the end of each day to assess what went well, what didn’t, and how they can improve. This routine fosters steady self-awareness, ensuring every experience becomes a learning moment.

Examples

• Public speakers often rehearse their weaker areas, like pacing or eye contact, in smaller, manageable steps.
• The University of Delaware’s leadership program connects participants, encouraging them to exchange feedback and improve collaboratively.
• Harry Kraemer’s daily reflection habit has helped him continuously evolve as a corporate leader.

6. Courage distinguishes impactful leadership

Fear of the unknown often hinders decision-making, but exceptional leaders embrace uncertainty. Courage is critical when stepping into new roles, confronting challenges, or pursuing ambitious goals.

Reflecting on past moments of bravery reminds you of your innate ability to face fear. Think of times when you accomplished something though it felt distant or overwhelming. By drawing strength from those moments, leaders can keep pushing themselves into unchartered territories.

Practicing courage starts small – it could be volunteering for a new project or initiating a difficult conversation. Over time, these acts build resilience and set a strong example for others to follow.

Examples

• A leader tackling diversity initiatives might initially face resistance but stands firm for company-wide inclusion.
• Starting something unfamiliar, like overseeing a new department, tests courage yet develops valuable skills.
• Decision-making during crises often requires leaders to act confidently amidst chaos.

7. Keep the focus on benefiting others

Effective leadership centers on people, not self-interest. Strong leaders dedicate themselves to improving team dynamics, enabling personal growth for each member, and helping achieve shared goals.

Alan Daddow discovered that leadership involves clearing obstacles for teammates. By being team-oriented, leaders inspire reciprocation and loyalty. This collaborative approach improves morale, leading to better outcomes for everyone.

Being a leader who actively recognizes others' contributions builds trust and fosters a collaborative team environment. Encouragement ensures team members feel valued and motivated.

Examples

• Leaders who enable employee development report increased productivity across their teams.
• Celebrating a team achievement fosters unity and brings focus to collective success.
• Regularly checking in on team members’ needs ensures everyone feels supported.

8. Curiosity leads to continuous improvement

Much like avid learners, great leaders exhibit a natural curiosity. They not only pursue knowledge but also remain open to discovering new ways of thinking. Staying curious ensures a constant influx of fresh ideas and strategies.

David Maister emphasizes staying relevant through constant learning. Seeking out new trends, engaging with mentors, and attending workshops keeps a leader informed, benefiting both personal and organizational growth.

Learning extends beyond academic knowledge – it includes understanding others’ viewpoints. This openness drives well-rounded decision-making, sparking innovation.

Examples

• Participating in industry trend webinars keeps leaders updated on emerging dynamics.
• Reading diverse views enhances problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Leaders who implement feedback-driven innovations often lead more adaptable teams.

9. Facing failure is part of the process

Every leader encounters failure occasionally – what matters is learning and adapting from it. Embracing imperfections builds character and shapes success narratives.

Baseball players metaphorically illustrate this lesson: their journey includes strikeouts, but they improve by analyzing each one. Similarly, failure prompts growth when treated as a valuable teacher.

Strong leaders adopt resilience by confronting failures honestly. This attitude reflects integrity, building respect and encouraging teams to follow suit.

Examples

• Thomas Edison’s repeated failures eventually led to groundbreaking inventions, reshaping industries.
• A manager who launched a failed campaign learned to use data more effectively, creating future successes.
• Resilient leaders who address failure candidly earn team loyalty and admiration.

Takeaways

1. Set aside time daily to reflect on what you learned and how you can grow as a leader.
2. Partner with a colleague or mentor to exchange feedback and accelerate development.
3. Face fears one step at a time and celebrate every act of courage, however small.