Leaders spend a lot of time pouring into and investing in others, but how can leaders invest in themselves?
According to leadership expert, Jenni Catron there are some things that leaders have to do for themselves that they can’t expect those they lead to do for them. Catron
As leaders, we often expect other people to help us grow and develop in our role of leadership. However, these expectations are often left unmet.
“Frankly, everybody is just trying to survive most days. If we sit and we wait for somebody to do it for us, I think we’re going to be really disappointed.”
We must own the responsibility for our own leadership development by seeking out people who can encourage us and speak into our lives.
Having a mentor is an effective way to grow as a leader, but looking for someone who can consistently spend two hours a week with you can be an unrealistic expectation.
“There have been season where I’ve had people spend a disproportionate amount of time with me and that has been such a gift but it’s very rare.”
As leaders, we have so many different avenues of growth right at our fingertips but we must reach out and grab them.
“I’m just encouraging and challenging people all the time.
What are you reading? Where are you studying? Who are you learning from?
Be purposeful and seek out every opportunity for leadership growth and development.”
Even if we don’t know anyone personally who we can sit down over a cup of coffee and talk with, there are innumerable resources at our disposal via the internet to learn and grow as a leader.
For more information about how to be an effective leader, take a look at Jenni’s latest book, The Four Dimensions of Extraordinary Leadership.
