31 Ways to Grow Your Leadership – #4
The Challenge
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being hungry for the right ones.
The best leaders you know are undoubtedly learners. They ask questions. They read. They listen. They pay attention. They’re not trying to look smart – they’re trying to get better.
Too many people try to lead with confidence they haven’t earned. For many of them, it’s because they stopped learning years ago. But great leadership is about continual growth.
If you want to go far, stay curious. Stay humble. Stay teachable.
The Remedy
Proverbs 4:7 (NLT):
“Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment.”
PROCESS It
Solomon is basically saying, “If you’re going to chase anything in life, chase wisdom.”
“Getting wisdom” and “develop” are not passive words or phrases. They indicate pursuit. Like, go after it. Pay for it. Prioritize it. Wisdom doesn’t fall in your lap. You have to choose it.
And don’t miss the meaning of “develop good judgment.” This is a process. Learning takes time, repetition, and sometimes failure. But it’s worth it.
Leaders who stop learning stop leading.
Want to keep growing? Stay teachable. That’s where wisdom lives.
APPLY It
It’s important to set goals for what, when and how you will learn. For example, years ago I heard someone say “Leaders are readers”, and that resonated with me. So this year, one of my goals is to read 60 books. I’m about 70% of the way there, and I’m learning and growing a ton as I read, highlight, take notes, and debrief.
Maybe your goal will be something similar, or maybe not. Here are a few other ideas for how to lead with a learner’s mindset in your everyday life:
- At School:
Sit at the front. Ask one extra question in class. Take ownership of your education – it’s a gift, not a chore. - At Home:
Read a parenting book, ask your spouse or child what they need more of from you, or listen to a podcast that helps you love your family better. - At Work:
Ask your boss, “What’s one thing I could improve at?” Then take it seriously. Don’t argue. Apply it. - At Church:
Take notes during the sermon. Read Scripture outside of Sunday. Ask a pastor or mentor what’s helped them grow spiritually and start there.
BOTTOM LINE
The best leaders aren’t know-it-alls, they’re learn-it-alls.
