The Essential Role of Personal Development in Leadership

In leadership, senior managers, directors, and vice-presidents are crucial. They shape their organizations' success. Amid these demanding roles, there's often a neglected element: personal development. In my early years, I underestimated leadership development. It seemed unnecessary. That changed when I stepped into a larger role, one I thought I was well-prepared for, only to be faced with numerous unexpected personal leadership challenges. That's when I saw the real value of continuous learning. Now, as a leadership coach deeply invested in nurturing high-performing professionals, I've seen firsthand how neglecting this aspect can impede even the most promising careers.

The Neglected Fuel: Personal Development.

Imagine you're in a high-stakes race, focused on the track and your competitors. You're so caught up that you forget to check your fuel gauge. Then, you run out of fuel, just short of victory. That's like neglecting personal development in leadership. We need to routinely check our 'gauges' and refuel when necessary.

Why is Personal Development Indispensable?

In the realm of corporate leadership, especially for those at the helm of large teams and significant enterprises, personal development isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity. The reason is multifaceted and deeply rooted in the evolving nature of leadership itself.

·       Adapting to Change: Adapting to Change: The business world is always changing. Take work from home, for example. It's reshaped industries and how we connect. Leaders who focus on personal development understand these changes better and adapt quicker.

·       Innovation and Creativity: Personal development fosters innovation. A marketing director who regularly engages in creative workshops or pursues courses in the latest marketing trends is more likely to conceive groundbreaking campaigns. They bring fresh perspectives that can challenge the status quo, leading to innovative solutions.

·       Emotional Intelligence: Leaders must navigate complex emotional landscapes within their teams. Those who invest in developing their emotional intelligence can more effectively manage team dynamics, resolve conflicts, and inspire trust. Consider a situation where a leader must mediate a disagreement between departments. Emotional intelligence, honed through personal development, can turn a potentially divisive situation into a constructive dialogue.

·       Effective Decision-Making: The decision-making process is fraught with challenges. Leaders who are committed to personal growth often have better analytical and critical thinking skills. They can weigh options more carefully and foresee the implications of their decisions. For example, a VP needs to make informed financial decisions that will impact the entire division and potentially across the company. Continuous learning in economic trends and financial management can make a significant difference in the quality of their decisions.

·       Building a Strong Personal Brand: In today's interconnected world, leaders are also brand ambassadors for their organizations. Personal development helps in building a strong, authentic personal brand that resonates both within and outside the organization. A VP with a compelling personal brand based on continuous learning and growth can foster stronger partnerships and create a more positive organizational culture.

·       Resilience in the Face of Challenges: The journey of a leader is filled with ups and downs. Personal development equips leaders with resilience to face challenges head-on. It’s like an experienced race car driver pushing the envelope and leading the race on a wet track; the skills and knowledge gained through personal development provide the tools to weather professional challenges and emerge stronger.

The Emotional Toll of Overlooking Personal Growth.

Neglecting personal development in a leadership role can have profound emotional impacts, often manifesting in ways that are both subtle and damaging. Let's explore these effects through stories of actual clients (names changed):

·       Stagnation - The Case of a Complacent Leader (Alex): Let’s look at Alex, a senior manager at a consulting firm. He prided himself on his years of experience and consistent positive feedback. However, he started to notice a trend: colleagues with similar experience were moving up or new talents were being hired for roles he aspired to. This observation led Alex to question his approach, wondering if his reliance on past achievements might be limiting his potential. It was like watching the race from the sidelines, realizing that his own growth might need a new strategy.

·       Loss of Confidence - The Story of an Overwhelmed Manager (Sarah): Sarah, once a confident senior manager, began to feel challenged by the shifting demands and management styles in her multinational corporation. This shift made her more reserved in meetings, leading her to question her own ideas, which was uncharacteristic of her. Her change in demeanor started to reflect on her team, subtly impacting their morale. Sarah recognized this change, understanding that it was a sign for her to reevaluate and adapt her approach to regain her confidence.

·       Decreased Engagement - The Drifting Leader (Ronald): Ronald, a director in a manufacturing company, noticed a shift in his work attitude. The job he once approached with passion now seemed routine and less engaging. This lack of enthusiasm became evident not just to him but to his team, affecting the overall performance of his department. Ronald recognized that his disengagement wasn't just about the job; it was a signal that he might need to reignite his passion for work, perhaps through new challenges or learning.

·       Missed Opportunities - The Tale of a Non-Progressive VP (Jen): Jen, a VP at a thriving startup, was once celebrated for her innovative ideas. Lately, however, she found herself hesitant to embrace new strategies and learning opportunities. Watching her peers advance and succeed with new initiatives, Jen couldn’t help but feel a tinge of regret. Her reluctance to pursue personal growth seemed to be impacting not just her career growth but also her sense of satisfaction. This realization was a wake-up call for Jen to reassess and consider a more proactive approach to her personal and professional development.

These stories highlight the emotional toll of overlooking personal growth. Leaders like Alex, Sarah, Ronald, and Jen are not just fictional characters; they represent real challenges faced by many in leadership positions. The message is clear: continuous personal development is not a mere add-on; it's essential for maintaining emotional well-being, confidence, engagement, and the ability to seize opportunities in a fast-paced, ever-changing professional landscape.

Strategies for Personal Development.

Not all budget for their personal development, in fact, the majority of those I work with have never thought to budget, both money and/or time, for their development. Some find the means to personally seek development opportunities and others seek to have their organization invest. Your development does not necessarily require a budget to access learning. Here are a few ways to ensure that personal development remains a cornerstone of your leadership journey, here are actionable strategies, each accompanied by practical ways to implement them:

·       Self-Reflection Through Journaling: Regular self-reflection is key. Implement this by maintaining a daily or weekly journal. Reflect on your successes, challenges, and areas for improvement. This practice not only provides clarity but also tracks your growth over time. I have had numerous individuals state the time spent reflecting has led to breakthroughs in understanding how they have been locked in approaches that are not serving them and then seek new paradigms and shifts going forward.

·       Continuous Learning via Online Courses and Webinars: Dedicate time each week to engage in online courses or webinars relevant to your industry or leadership skills. Platforms like Coursera or LinkedIn Learning offer a plethora of resources. Additionally, many universities offer free online courses to encourage our growth in leadership skills. This habit ensures you stay updated with the latest trends and knowledge.

·       Seeking Mentorship for Guided Growth: Identify and reach out to a mentor within your network. This could be a senior leader or someone outside your organization with a wealth of experience. Regular meetings or discussions with them can provide invaluable insights and guidance and challenge you current way of thinking. My own mentor was one of my biggest champions while challenging me to see leadership through multiple lens’, not just my fixed mindset at that time.

·       Networking for Diverse Perspectives: Attend industry meetups, seminars, or online forums. Engage with peers from different backgrounds and industries. This networking can introduce you to new ideas and broaden your perspective.

·       Feedback for Improvement: Create a culture of open feedback within your team. Encourage team members to provide honest feedback and be open to receiving it. This approach can uncover blind spots and areas for improvement. One of the most mind-blowing pieces of feedback I ever received was from an individual who worked for me when he asked, “why are you not present and here to oversee us all day?” I learned I was not communicating the level of trust I had in him and also not adapting to his needs.

·       Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence: Practice mindfulness through meditation, yoga, movement, or simple breathing exercises. This helps in enhancing emotional intelligence through focus, a key attribute for effective leadership. Apps like Calm or UCLA’s Mindful App can be a good starting point.

·       Time Management Techniques: Adopt time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, Time Boxing, or Eisenhower Matrix to enhance productivity. This helps in allocating time for personal development activities amidst a busy schedule. If you are similar to most I work with, you will tell me your day is filled with meetings and there is not time for this. This is common and one way to find that time is audit your meetings; what is your purpose for attendance and do you routinely provide value, could someone else attend in your place, could the meeting be canceled and information shared via another means?

·       Reading for Broader Knowledge: Set a goal to read a certain number of books each month or quarter. These could be leadership books, biographies of successful people, or even literature on different subjects to provide a wider worldview. I personally am not an individual who can sit and read, instead I opt for audiobooks and when I find one with lots of useful information I purchase the paper version to highlight and dig further into.

·       Tailored Development: Consider enrollment in a specific leadership program or hiring a personal or professional coach or consultant. Each can offer tailored advice and strategies to address specific leadership challenges or goals you are aiming to achieve.

·       Groups with Similar Interests: Many larger organizations have groups of peers that get together to learn from each other. Industries or certification type programs also have groups that meet and share to promote growth. Consider seeking this out in your organization or your trade to participate in and learn from others.

Budget: I mentioned this in the opening paragraph of the above section. Much like planning for retirement and investing each month, do the same with your development planning. If you want to move ahead in your future a small investment today may pay huge dividends.

In leadership, personal development isn’t a luxury. It's as essential as the fuel in a race car. Don’t wait until you’re running on empty – or out! I’ve learned this both as a leader and a race car driver. Reflect on your journey, then decide what to learn next. It’s about moving forward, enhancing your skills, and setting an example for your team.

Written by Steven Schultze