As spring arrives, many of us take time to do extra yard work. We remove dead leaves and branches, clear weeds that have sprung up in flower beds, and prepare the soil for planting new flowers or shrubs. This annual practice takes time but results in beautiful landscapes for our yards.
Similarly, we need to consider how to prepare ourselves for the growth of leadership skills. Leadership does not happen overnight; it requires focus and effort to develop those strengths and characteristics. Part of this process includes removing obstacles and nurturing strong leadership skills.
Self-awareness is one of the essential characteristics we must develop to become strong leaders. This is comparable to recognizing what is a healthy plant and what is a weed. Some people start pulling up everything in sight, even the very plants they want to grow. They are not aware of what should be removed and end up damaging everything. Leaders must take inventory and consider what skills serve them well and what weaknesses create barriers to leading others. Being aware of what to stop doing will provide opportunities for good, healthy practices to thrive.
Another part of this process is preparing the soil for growth. Aerating the soil and adding nutrients will help ensure that plants thrive. Your leadership can only thrive if you take time to reflect and plan, creating room for a vision or purpose and a strategy to develop. These are the foundations for nurturing the leadership skills we want to grow.
Once you plant the leadership skills, they must be honed, and you have to invest in their growth. Just as you would ensure that plants have enough sunshine, water, and fertilizer, we must ensure that our leadership skills have adequate nutrients. Mentoring, coaching, and continued learning are necessary if we are to become strong leaders. Sustaining your commitment to excellence in leadership is imperative to avoid drought, lack of growth, or a weak foundation.
As you prepare your yard for summer growth, also take time to prepare yourself for a strong season of personal growth. Begin by identifying areas where you need to remove activities or actions that do not serve you well. Then, select what you will plant instead and determine what nutrients, such as coaching, you will choose to advance your growth.
