Earlier this week, I blogged about one of the leadership lessons I’ve shared with a group of kids at camp. You can read the initial thoughts here.
The basic idea is as follows: Leaders Learn.
Pretty revolutionary, right? Okay, maybe not, but sometimes necessity breeds simplicity.
If we truly expect to learn as a leader, we have to be willing to change things about ourselves based on what we learn.
This week at camp, as I’m spending time pouring into leaders, I am being forced to evaluate my own leadership learnings. I am being challenged, taught, stretched, and pushed. I am finding areas where I need to work and improve.
Changing things about ourselves does not mean being wishy-washy or insecure. It is recognizing mistakes and make a conscious effort to minimize those mistakes.
If you are constantly late, learn what it takes to show up early (usually a mindset change).
If you are consistently critical, learn how to speak life to those around you.
If you are continuously defensive, learn how to see things from another’s perspective.
As leaders, we can never get to a point where we feel we have it all figured out. I know there are times where I have no clue what I’m doing, or I make silly mistakes. But if I am unwilling to admit my mistakes and embrace the changes that are necessary, then I can never grow as a leader.
The same is true for you. As you lead, whether it be a group, an individual, or anything in between, take time to learn as you lead. Trust me, those who follow you will appreciate the effort, and your willingness to learn and change things about yourself will rub off on those you lead.