I’ve talked before about the importance of growth and development. As leaders we exist in environments that are not static. They are constantly changing and in order to be effective we have to evolve as leaders. We need to learn new things and be able to adapt to the needs of our people as they shift over time. I love learning about leadership and since you’re reading this message, I’m going to assume you enjoy it as well.

Each year, I create a leadership development plan for myself and my team at Footers. I try to be intentional about the ways I will learn and grow, and I try to be creative with where I might find inspiration. I’m always thinking about how I can turn knowledge into wisdom and use it to become a better leader. Learning about the strategy of chess with my son, de-cluttering our house with my wife as we prepare to move, and dancing with my daughter are not necessarily the first places I might turn for a lesson on leadership, but recently all have provided me with something that I can put in my “Leadership Toolbox” to utilize when the time is right. Remember, leadership is not about being prepared for every specific situation, it’s about having the tools available when you need them to creatively solve problems and seize opportunities.

Information on becoming a better leader is literally at our fingertips! The most challenging part of development isn’t our ability to find resources that can help us, it’s how to discern what will be most valuable for our personal journeys. We all have different learning styles and preferences, so it’s critical we are clear on the best way we learn and absorb information. I know for me personally, I love hearing people’s stories first hand and the lessons they’ve learned.

I typically don’t use this platform to sell anything, but because this opportunity aligns with my commitment to inspiring leaders across the country, I wanted to share it with you. If you’re in need of some inspiration and want to invest a day enhancing your leadership skills, check out this awesome virtual conference that I’ve been invited to participate in next week on February 4th. It’s called THE LEADERSHIP Development Day and I’m honored to be among some amazing speakers that I assure will help you become better leaders, friends, parents and team members.

My talk is about unlocking your potential through heart leadership and fun. As I share my story, I’ll highlight the reasons that have made us successful at Footers and what has sparked my passion for becoming the best leader I can be. If this is right up your alley, then you can use my personal code: LDDFooters to save 20% on your registration.

I would love for you to join me on February 4th, but if not, I hope you’ll take some time to think about how you are going to be intentional about your leadership development in 2021. With eleven months in the year to go, it’s a great time to map out your plan. I also encourage you to look for leadership lessons in those unsuspecting places - and if you find one, please share with me, I’d love to hear it.