Good Leaders Never Stop Learning

Are leaders born or made? The answer is both. Indeed, good leaders are the product of a never-ending process of skill and character development. This article reveals ten pathways for learning to lead: 1) performing: excelling in a role; 2) risking: taking chances to lead and learn; 3) stretching: going beyond one’s own comfort zone; 4) learning: reflecting on past events to discern lessons; 5) self-awareness: seeking to know one’s strengths and weaknesses; 6) trusting: relying on one’s abilities and those of others in order to build a reputation of trustworthiness; 7) adapting: acting appropriately in different situations; 8) mentoring: learning from other leaders; 9) observing: watching in order to gain a better understanding; and 10) integrating: seeing the “big picture.”

This article shows that many leaders lack an early desire to be glorified as a leader and that good leadership can be learned by anyone with basic intelligence and a strong commitment to ongoing development and collaboration. Making time for continual learning and avoiding arrogance or closed-mindedness is crucial. One tech-sector billionaire reveals how he frequently cleans the family lavatory after work, as a reminder that all contributions are valued. Ultimately, CEOs must create channels for feedback, and “command and control” should make way for sharing control over decision making.