“Leadership development is a lifetime journey, not a quick trip.” This quote from John C. Maxwell inspires all of us to keep on learning to be better leaders. Congratulations to the Top 10 Under 40 for being recognized as growing, developing leaders who are making positive contributions to our community through their work, their passion, and their visions. These emerging leaders understand that they have not gotten to their destination yet, but that they are on the road to achieving great things!
So how do you keep on getting better, growing and developing into the leader you want to be and can become? The key is not to become complacent, don’t get comfortable, keep seeking opportunities to learn, and surround yourself with people who are also on the lifelong journey of self-improvement.
Most of us are familiar with the practice of setting SMART goals – goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-based. Many managers use this framework to help their staff meet a departmental goal, such as staying on budget or moving to a new HR computer system. We may be very good at setting specific work-related goals and breaking projects down into measurable steps. But how good are we at setting goals for our personal development – for becoming the best version of ourselves we can be?
One of the first steps in our own personal development and journey to be better is to have self-awareness. Great leaders understand their strengths as well as their weaknesses. They are focused on the impact they can make, not on their image. “Effective leaders are more secure in themselves; they possess a sense that they can handle whatever may come their way; their self-awareness and self-trust are bigger than the circumstances of change.” – Kevin Cashman, Leadership from the Inside Out.
Great leaders can envision a future that is different and better. “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” – Warren Bennis. As a leader, inspiring others and helping them see your vision is so important. It requires you as a leader to build the confidence of your people, take them out of their comfort zone, and help them reach their potential.
Becoming the best version of yourself is hard – it requires you to always act with integrity and courage, holding fast to your values. It requires you to be determined, committed, disciplined, and willing and able to take risks. You also need to genuinely care for others, and yourself. Recognizing the value of each person around you, as well as your value, is vital. “To lead yourself, use your head; to lead others, use your heart.” John Maxwell, The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.
Several Top 10 Under 40 past winners and candidates have graduated from Leadership Siouxland. It is a great program to help you with your next step in growing into the best you that you can be. I am excited to see what this year’s winners achieve and contribute in the future!
To learn more, reach out to exdir@leadershipsiouxland.org.
By Peggy Smith
