Posted by Ron Edmondson
1. Read The Bible –
The Bible is a tremendous resource for leadership development. Jesus is the Master Leader. And there are plenty of other examples of men and women who, unlike Jesus, were sinful people like you and me. Of course, for me it’s THE source of my foundation, but even if you aren’t a follower of Christ you can learn from the leaders in Scripture. The Bible doesn’t shy away from the flaws within every leader either, so you can learn from people who recover from failure.
2. Read A Leadership Book –
There are many good leadership books to choose from, but if you aren’t sure where to start, choose a John Maxwell book. Any of them. Safe choice every time. You might read THIS POST for some specific books I recommend.
3. Find A Mentor –
The best mentors in my life have been people I admire whom I have invited to speak into my life. This has included pastors, business leaders and politicians. I look for character first and then competency in an area in which I want to grow personally. (And, yes, there are politicians who qualify.)
4. Go To Lunch With Fellow Leaders –
I usually have 2 or 3 different groups of leaders I meet with periodically. These are peers. They are at similar places in their career of leadership. Some pastors. Some not. We learn from each other.
5. Join A Civic Club –
I am not in one, but have attended and spoken to them many times. It’s a great option to put you with other leaders in the community. I have, however, always been active in the community. Most communities have formal leadership programs, often through the chamber of commerce. Ask around. There are leadership principles nearby if we are intentional to seek them.
6. Ask For Input From Those You Lead –
I promise the people you are trying to lead have suggestions. They won’t often share them unless they are given permission. You have to be bold…and humble…enough to ask.
7. Analyze Current Conditions –
Few leaders stop to see where they are currently. What’s working? What’s not? What needs tweaking? What needs killing?
8. Reflect On Past Mistakes –
The best teacher is experience. Most likely you’ve had situations in the past that God can use to prepare you for what you are currently facing. Or you’ve watched others make mistakes. Take time to reflect and learn.
9. Write Come Goals –
It amazes me when I hear leaders who don’t have written goals and objectives they are currently trying to achieve. Writing something puts it in your schema. You are more likely to have the goals at the front of your mind. When that happens you’ll be a walking sponge of new ideas to accomplish them. You will learn as you go because you are living with your current objectives closer to your mind.
10. Subscribe To A Few Leadership Blogs –
People are talking leadership these days. Have you noticed? Participate. Listen. Contribute to the discussion. You’ll learn along the way.
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