The Intersection of Strategy and Leadership
Leadership is challenging and when it comes to developing people, and creating the space to do so, leadership can be even more challenging.
So, how do leaders rise above the challenge and temptation of the day-to-day volume of work, to prioritize not only developing ourselves, but supporting the development of those whose results we are responsible for? Our team at Bright Wire Leadership has spent many years in the trenches of leadership development, and we’ve learned that it is possible to balance and integrate growth with performance. Here are 3 tips that can help leaders prioritize their own development—and that of their teams—during even the busiest times.
Schedule Time for Reflection—Even If It’s 10 Minutes a Day
It’s easy to let the daily grind consume your time. But without regular moments of reflection, both you and your team are at risk of getting lost in the noise. Carve out time every day, even if just for 10 minutes, to reflect on what went well, what didn’t, and how you can improve. This isn’t just about looking back; it’s about giving yourself and your team the chance to make small course corrections before things snowball. Whether it’s a quiet moment before the workday begins or a short meeting with your team, make reflection a non-negotiable habit. 10 minutes of reflection, and the intentional leadership that results, can create hours of time back in return!
Delegate Development
It’s common for leaders to feel like they have to do everything themselves—especially in times of crisis or high demand. But the most effective leaders know that part of their responsibility is to create conditions that motivate others. When you delegate leadership responsibilities and development opportunities to your team members you reduce your workload, save time all while developing your people! This could mean asking someone to lead a meeting, coach a peer, or take ownership of a smaller project. Not only does this free you up to focus on your own growth, but it also builds a culture of development and accountability within your team. Give others the space to grow, and you’ll find that their success becomes your success.
Use Your Team as a Development Resource
We often think of leadership development as something we have to seek out externally; while at the same time we should consider how our team is also a great resource for growth. Encourage a culture of feedback, not just top-down, but peer-to-peer as well. Creating opportunities for team members to offer constructive feedback to each other fosters growth for everyone. As a leader, you should model how to receive feedback with humility and curiosity. This opens the door for honest conversations that benefit both individual and team development, and it strengthens relationships across the board.
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about making consistent, intentional decisions to develop yourself and your team. By building time for reflection, delegating development opportunities, and tapping into the growth potential within your team, you’ll not only navigate the busiest times more effectively, but you’ll also cultivate a leadership culture that prioritizes growth for everyone involved.
