By Oyewole O. Sarumi | PhD.
Leadership is often described as both an art and a science, with numerous books, seminars, and courses dedicated to honing the skills necessary to lead effectively. Thus, leadership is a dynamic process marked by continuous growth and development. However, amidst all the training and development, a critical question emerges: *How can you tell if you are growing as a leader? It is not enough to simply read about leadership or attend seminars; there must be tangible evidence of progress.
While many aspire to become effective leaders, objectively measuring progress can be challenging. The key lies in recognizing specific indicators that reflect true growth. This short piece aims to explore these indicators, offering a framework for leaders to assess their development and ensure that their efforts are translating into real leadership growth.
II. DEFINITION OF LEADERSHIP
Leadership, in its simplest form, is the ability to influence others towards the achievement of a common goal. It involves guiding individuals or groups, motivating them, and creating a vision for the future. Leadership is the ability to inspire and mobilize individuals towards a shared vision. It involves influencing others, building relationships, and creating a positive impact. Effective leadership is characterized by a combination of personal qualities, skills, and knowledge applied to achieve organizational goals.
According to John Maxwell, a renowned leadership expert, “Leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less.” This definition underscores the essence of leadership: the capacity to impact others through guidance, motivation, and strategic direction.
III. IMPORTANCE OF EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP
In today’s rapidly changing world, the need for strong and adaptable leaders is paramount. Effective leadership is crucial in any organization or team. It stimulates innovation, drives organisational success, advances a positive culture, builds resilient teams, and ensures that goals are met. A study by Zenger and Folkman found that the most effective leaders, those who scored in the top 10% on leadership effectiveness, had teams that outperformed others in key performance metrics. This shows that leadership is not just about holding a position; it is about driving success and making a tangible difference in outcomes. Effective leadership also contributes to personal fulfillment and professional growth, making it an essential aspect of any successful career.
IV. THE INDICATORS OF LEADERSHIP GROWTH
Let us discuss some indicators that will help you to measure if you are growing as a leader of people in your organisation. Once as a leader you fully have an understanding of the indicators of leadership growth, then individuals can proactively develop their skills and enhance their impact.
1. Attracting Higher-Capacity Leaders
One of the clearest signs that you are growing as a leader is the ability to attract other high-capacity leaders into your circle. When you are perceived as a strong leader, other leaders—those with considerable influence and capability—naturally gravitate towards you. As John Maxwell points out, “Leaders attract who they are, not who they want.” If you find that more capable, driven, and talented individuals are seeking you out for guidance or collaboration, it is a strong indicator that you are growing. This is because leadership is often about building a team of complementary strengths, and high-capacity leaders are drawn to those who they believe can help them grow further.
2. Being a Sought-After Leader
As you grow as a leader, you will find that more people are seeking your input, advice, and guidance. This could manifest in being asked to mentor others, being invited to speak at events, or simply having colleagues regularly consult with you on important matters. Being a sought-after leader indicates that others recognize your value and believe in your ability to provide meaningful insights. It also reflects your growing influence, and the trust others place in your leadership. This increased demand for your leadership is a testament to your ability to add value to those around you, a key hallmark of effective leadership.
3. Developing Other Leaders
An essential component of leadership growth is the ability to develop other leaders. Leadership is not just about managing tasks or people; it is about multiplying leadership within your organization. John Quincy Adams famously said, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, you are a leader.” When you see those around you developing into leaders themselves, it is a strong indication that you are growing in your leadership capacity. This involves mentoring, coaching, and providing opportunities for others to step into leadership roles. Your growth is evidenced by the growth of those you lead.
4. Leading Yourself Effectively
Self-leadership is perhaps the most fundamental aspect of growing as a leader. As leadership expert Peter Drucker stated, “You cannot manage others unless you manage yourself.” This means setting goals, managing your time and resources effectively, and continuously seeking personal development. If you find that you are increasingly disciplined in your personal and professional life, better at managing stress, and more focused on your long-term vision, it is a sign that you are growing. Self-leadership also involves emotional intelligence, the ability to understand and manage your own emotions and those of others. As you grow in self-leadership, you will find that you are better able to navigate complex situations and make sound decisions, which are critical components of effective leadership.
5. Increased Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as recognize, understand, and influence the emotions of others. A growing leader often exhibits increased EQ, which is vital for effective communication, conflict resolution, and team dynamics. As Daniel Goleman, a pioneer in emotional intelligence, asserts, “What matters for success, character, happiness, and life-long achievements is a definite set of emotional skills—your EQ—not just purely cognitive abilities that are measured by conventional IQ tests.” Leaders with high EQ are more empathetic, better at resolving conflicts, and are often the ones who create positive, inclusive environments where teams thrive.
6. Enhanced Vision and Strategic Thinking
The ability to articulate a compelling vision and develop strategic plans is essential for leadership growth. So, as you grow as a leader, your ability to think strategically and develop an unobstructed vision for the future improves. The fact is that only effective leaders can translate complex ideas into actionable steps. You begin to see the bigger picture, anticipate challenges, and identify opportunities that others might miss. This ability to think ahead and plan strategically is a sign of leadership maturity. As Warren Bennis, a pioneer in leadership studies, noted, “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” Growing leaders not only have a clear vision but also the strategic thinking skills to turn that vision into actionable plans that drive results.
7. Increased Resilience and Adaptability
Resilience and adaptability are key indicators of leadership growth. The ability to navigate challenges, recover from setbacks, and adapt to changing circumstances reflects a leader’s maturity. As you grow, you become more resilient in the face of adversity, understanding that setbacks are opportunities for learning and growth. According to psychologist Angela Duckworth, author of *Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance*, “Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week, not just for the month, but for years, and working hard to make that future a reality.” A growing leader embodies this grit, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the pursuit of long-term goals.
8. Empowering and Trusting Your Team
A significant indicator of leadership growth is the extent to which you empower and trust your team. As you develop as a leader, you recognize that leadership is not about controlling every detail but about empowering others to take ownership of their roles. This involves delegating tasks, trusting your team to make decisions, and creating an environment where people feel valued and supported. Empowerment leads to greater innovation, higher morale, and better performance. As Theodore Roosevelt said, “The best leader is the one who has sense enough to pick good people to do what he wants done, and self-restraint to keep from meddling with them while they do it.” Growing leaders understand the power of trust and empowerment in building high-performing teams.
9. Commitment to Continuous Learning and Development
Finally, a key indicator that you are growing as a leader is your commitment to continuous learning and development. Leadership is not a destination but a journey, and those who grow the most are those who are committed to learning throughout their careers. This involves seeking out new knowledge, learning from experiences, and being open to feedback. As former CEO of General Electric, Jack Welch, famously stated, “Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others.” A commitment to continuous learning ensures that you remain adaptable and responsive to the ever-changing demands of leadership.
10. Influence, Communication and Collaboration:
As leaders grow, their ability to influence others and communicate effectively improves. They can build consensus, inspire teams, and manage conflict constructively. Also, successful leaders advance high-performing teams by building trust, promoting collaboration, and empowering team members.
V. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GROWING LEADERS
Before I conclude this write-up, I like to make some suggestions that will help you to continue to grow in your leadership journey. Here are my thoughts, but may not be limited to these, please add your own from experience.
1. Seek Mentorship and Coaching
Actively seek out mentors and coaches who can provide guidance, feedback, and support in your leadership journey. Learning from the experiences of others can accelerate your growth.
2. Embrace Feedback
Develop a habit of seeking and embracing feedback, both positive and constructive. Regularly seeking feedback from peers, subordinates, and superiors is essential for growth. Feedback is an invaluable tool for personal and professional development. Constructive criticism provides valuable insights into areas for improvement.
3. Invest in Professional Development
Regularly participate in leadership development programs, workshops, and seminars. These opportunities can provide new insights, tools, and strategies to enhance your leadership skills.
4. Set Time to Reflect Regularly
Set aside time for regular reflection on your leadership experiences. Reflecting on successes, challenges, and areas for improvement can provide clarity and direction for your continued growth.
5. Cultivate a Growth Mindset
Adopt a growth mindset, as described by Carol Dweck in her book *Mindset: The New Psychology of Success*. Believe in your ability to develop and grow through effort and learning.
6. Build a Strong Network
– Surround yourself with other leaders and professionals who inspire and challenge you. A strong network can provide support, collaboration opportunities, and diverse perspectives.
7. Read Books Regularly
– It has been said that leaders are readers. Most effective leaders have cultivated the art of reading, and they do it regularly. Warren Buffet read an average of one book per week, as well as Bill Gates and Elon Musk. Reading stimulates your mind, expands your thinking, and sets you on a new horizon never imagined.
8. Focus on Well-Being
– Prioritize your well-being to maintain the energy, resilience, and focus necessary for effective leadership. This includes physical, mental, and emotional health.
CONCLUSION
From the above discussion, knowing that you are growing as a leader is not a matter of guesswork; it involves recognizing specific indicators that reflect true leadership development. From attracting high-capacity leaders and being sought after for your guidance to developing other leaders and leading yourself effectively, these indicators provide a reliable measure of your progress.
Leaders who focus on these signs and implement the recommendations provided above can ensure that their leadership journey is marked by continuous growth and success. However, as you grow, remember that leadership is not just about what you achieve, but about the impact you have on those around you. The true mark of a great leader is not in their accolades, but in the leaders, they inspire and develop along the way. That in essence is why there is leadership in the first place!
REFERENCES AND BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Bennis, W. (1989). On becoming a leader. Addison-Wesley.
2. Drucker, P. F. (2001). The Essential Drucker: The best of sixty years of Peter Drucker’s essential writings on management. Harper Business.
3. Duckworth, A. (2016). Grit: The power of passion and perseverance. Scribner.
4. Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
5. Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional intelligence: Why it can matter more than IQ. Bantam Books.
6. Maxwell, J. C. (2007). The 21 irrefutable laws of leadership: Follow them and people will follow you. Thomas Nelson.
7. Welch, J. (2005). Winning. Harper Business.
8. Zenger, J. H., & Folkman, J. (2002). The extraordinary leader: Turning good managers into great leaders. McGraw-Hill.
Oyewole O. Sarumi | PhD. is of the Faculty, Strategy and Leadership Development, ICLED Business School, Lekki, Lagos.
