Leadership is not a destination.  Leadership it's a continuous journey of growth, innovation, service, and self-improvement. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting in a leadership role, there are always opportunities to become a better leader. New leaders often struggle with this.  Somehow, they lose sight of the need for continual progress and think they should suddenly have it all figured out.  Likewise, leaders in crisis tend to make this same mistake. 

I’d like to offer four things that will help leaders to move forward in a sustainable manner.

Extend Your Learning

The most successful leaders know that they can never stop learning (and growing). This includes seeking out opportunities for personal and professional development, as well as identifying mentors that can help you to reach your goals. In order to remain relevant as a leader you will need to embrace new ideas and perspectives which broaden your knowledge base and challenge your current way of being – don’t automatically reject that which is different.

Empower Your Team

As you grow and become more secure in your leadership, you will naturally begin to expect more from your team. You should be able to confidently empower your team to take ownership of their work as you provide them with the resources they need to succeed. The flip side of empowering your team is micromanaging them.  Leaders who micromanage their teams often end up stifling creativity and innovation while also creating an environment where team members are overly dependent on you.   

Encourage Continuous Growth

A good leader encourages their team members to learn and grow. You should provide opportunities for training and development, and support your team in achieving their personal and professional goals. Fostering an environment where team members feel empowered and encouraged to grow helps to build commitment and boosts morale. 

Expand Your Network

Leadership can be lonely, but it doesn’t have to be. Every leader should have mentors, peers, and advisors who can provide guidance and share their experiences. This type of network also allows for collaboration with others to gain fresh perspectives and insights.

Where do you or your team members rank in these areas? What will you do to strengthen these areas?