Growth Mindset and Neuroplasticity
Recently, seven emerging leaders were selected to participate in a four-month leadership development initiative. At first, they weren’t sure that they had what it takes to become a leader. Through the program, however, they learned that being a leader doesn’t necessarily mean always having the answer. In fact, it’s often about asking questions and learning from others. Here’s how this group of emerging leaders overcame their doubts and anxieties on the journey to becoming confident leaders.
It All Starts with Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is an important part of leadership development because it helps you understand your strengths and weaknesses to work on them and be better prepared for change and growth. The participants began by taking personal assessments to identify their unique individual traits and how those would translate into their leadership roles. This process helped them build trust in themselves so they could confidently move forward.
Embracing Change
Leadership development also requires embracing change—the kind of change that can be uncomfortable initially but ultimately leads to greater success. To help the participants learn how to embrace change more effectively, they were introduced to different strategies for dealing with uncertainty and risk-taking, such as creating an action plan, leading a group discussion on a new topic, and learning to ask questions. With these strategies in place, the participants could approach each new challenge with an open mind and look for ways to improve instead of being overwhelmed by fear or doubt.
Learning From Others
Leadership development is also about learning from others. By engaging in meaningful conversations and asking questions, the participants began to see how different perspectives can be beneficial in making decisions or coming up with creative solutions. They also learned that it’s ok not to know the answer; just having an open discussion about a topic can lead to new insights and ideas.
The Final Step: Taking Action
The final step of leadership development is taking action. The participants worked on practical assignments to practice their new skills and knowledge in real-life situations. This experience helped them develop the resilience needed to face adversity and succeed as a leader, no matter what the challenge may be.
So what’s the point
Leadership development is not an easy process, but with the right support and guidance, it can be an incredibly rewarding journey. Through this program, the participants overcame their doubts and anxieties and became confident leaders ready to take on any challenge. By learning how to embrace change, seek out mentors, ask questions, and take action, they have set themselves up for success.
