Leaders are learners. This is foundational in the world of leadership development. When you learn you grow. When you grow you are better able to invest in others. Leaders cannot take people any further than they themselves have gone. It is imperative that every leader determine to learn and grow.
You will not grow by accident. You will not grow by osmosis. You will not grow just because you want to. John Maxwell’s law of intentionality states, “Growth is the only guarantee that tomorrow is going to get better.” How you decide to grow today will determine what you become tomorrow.
Maxwell shares six intentional actions you can take to grow.
Make a commitment. Wanting to grow and committing to grow are two different things. Want indicates an interest. Commitment shows an actionable desire
Make your commitment public. A commitment that is not made public is fairly worthless. A shared commitment is a strong commitment. Once you say it you have placed yourself in a position to be held accountable
Identify the areas you personally want to grow in. Maxwell recommends growth in an area of choice (e.g. attitude) and an area of skill (e.g. team building)
Invest one hour a day developing the two areas identified in #3.
Invest one hour a week in reflection and writing on what you are learning. Your writing does not have to be in journal form. It can be quick bulletin point notes. Jot down the insights you are gaining
Share your growth with someone. Make sure the person you share with is an individual who will be excited for the growth in your life.
Growth is never a point in time. It is a process of a lifetime. Enjoy your growth journey.