Servant leaders know and understand the importance of personal development. We must be intentional about getting ourselves into an environment to grow. We must surround ourselves with high performers and with people who want to grow and will challenge us. We have to get out of our comfort zone and focus on a positive future and spend time in places where the atmosphere is affirming.
I had the opportunity to re-connect with my long-time coach and mentor, Chris Edmonds, this week as he came to Alexandria, MN to be a guest presenter at our Leadership Roundtable and Unity Foundation Luncheon. In 2004 I hired Chris as my executive coach to help me learn how to change and drive a positive culture within an organization. Had I not taken the initiative to create an environment of growth, where I was challenged and held accountable for my personal growth, I would not have been where I am today, in a position to help others in this area of servant leadership and culture improvement.
Taking control of your personal growth will:
- Enhance your skills to enable you be the best you can be for the people you serve
- Keep your mind active and learning
- Keep you from becoming lazy and complacent with your life
- Be a great model for those people within your sphere of influence
- Enhance your ability to make a significant positive impact in society
Ideas for creating an environment for personal growth would include:
- Attend leadership training opportunities
- Hire a coach
- Ask someone you respect to mentor you
- Read great books
- Read great leadership blogs
Servant leaders have a never-ending passion to develop their leadership skills so they can be the very best for the people they serve. I encourage you to be intentional about taking control of this area and put yourself into an environment of growth. You will make a significant positive impact!
What ways have you found for creating an environment for personal growth?
Mark
“The most dangerous leadership myth is that leaders are born-that there is a genetic factor to leadership. That’s nonsense; in fact, the opposite is true. Leaders are made rather than born”.
Warren Bennis
I would echo the the read great books, read leadership, as well as add listen to great things. Surround yourself with good stuff, and good people.
David,
Thanks so much for your excellent insights! No question the more intentional we get about surrounding ourselves with good people and ideas the more we will grow.
Mark
Hi Mark,
Great post, for “Inner Growth Leads to Outer Growth”. A book I would like to very highly recommend for reading is “Language and the Pursuit of Happiness” by Chalmers Brothers. This book has contributed significantly to my own growth, and that growth has impacted me very positively in both my personal as well as professional life. Check it out.
Vinay
Vinay,
Thanks so much for your lead on this outstanding book! I really appreciate you sharing that. I will definitely track it down and read it for my personal development!
Mark