This is the first article I ever published under Leading Forward on LinkedIn, back in February 2025. It is how I expressed what was driving me, the fact that it is not just one training, one click, one action, one direction. It is daily reflection, observation and intention what shapes the leaders we become. So it is also the opening entry in this archive. If this is the first time you hear about “Sonia from Leading Forward”, this article is a good start into my thinking, and also what drives me as I start my own business on Leadership Development.
Intro
Many of you know about my dedication to growth and supporting the growth of others. You might also know that my mind is often buzzing with ideas that keep me up at night, ideas that need to be brought to life. This newsletter is one of those ideas. By subscribing and joining this journey of growth, curiosity, and leadership development, you’re prioritizing your personal and professional advancement. My mission is to provide meaningful insights, practical tips, and reflections that resonate across cultures and professions.
Exploring the True Essence of Leadership
As I continue my journey of intentional development, I’ve recognized the importance of discussing what leadership truly means. Embracing leadership qualities helps us evolve both professionally and personally. However, there’s often confusion surrounding the nature of leadership, with many equating it solely to holding a title or position of power.
Through my journey, I’ve had the privilege of helping my team members and multiple leaders understand and discuss their development. It’s been enlightening to see how transformative these conversations can be. Yet, I’ve also noticed that many people overlook the importance of personal growth in leadership or fail to make it a priority. They often see it as an abstract concept rather than a personal journey that impacts their daily lives and interactions.
Recently, I had an experience that highlighted this misconception. I interacted with a dedicated manager who had successfully implemented a significant initiative. When I recognized them for their leadership, they modestly replied, “I’m not a leader; I’m just the manager.” I responded, “your efforts and vision in making this happen demonstrate true leadership.”
This conversation underscored a crucial point: Leadership is not merely about hierarchy or titles. It’s reflected in how we deliver results, engage our teams, and communicate. True leadership is about influence, vision, and the ability to inspire others, regardless of formal positions.
Delving into John Maxwell’s Law of the Process
This brings us to John Maxwell’s insightful quote: “Leaders develop daily, not in a day,” from his Law of the Process in The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. This principle encourages us to reflect on the essence of leadership, irrespective of our roles.
We all develop daily. Intentional actions toward growth make us stand out and enhance our ability to achieve meaningful outcomes. Relying solely on a title doesn’t make one a leader. By embracing continuous development, we not only transform ourselves but also set a powerful example for others.
According to Gallup, companies with highly engaged teams led by strong leaders see significant improvements in performance and profitability. This underscores the importance of continuous leadership development and daily efforts in cultivating effective leadership skills, as it directly contributes to better business outcomes. You can find more details about this research and inspiration on Gallup’s Leadership Topic page.
The Ripple Effect of Personal Growth
As we commit to daily growth, we begin to perceive situations differently and more effectively. This personal transformation doesn’t happen in isolation; it influences our environment and the people within it.
When we prioritize our development, we inspire others to do the same. Our actions encourage colleagues, team members, and even our families to embark on their own journeys of growth. Ongoing personal growth enables us not only to improve ourselves but also to mentor and develop others, including our children. Our growth creates a ripple effect, extending beyond ourselves and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
The Importance of Curiosity
A fundamental aspect of effective leadership development is curiosity, a genuine interest in our own processes and those of others. By asking thoughtful questions and remaining open to different perspectives, we gain deeper insights.
Consider how children ask countless questions about everything, they remind us of the importance of seeing things differently. Why do we stop asking questions as we get older? (More on this in another article.)
Recognizing that everyone’s experiences differ from ours, and that our experiences guide our thinking and decision-making processes, should encourage us to ask ourselves and those around us:
- What areas should we improve?
- How have we grown in the last year?
- Are we focusing on the right areas to be where we want to be?
- What am I missing to lead better?
When developing our leadership behaviors, we need to be curious about diverse people: those we consider leaders, those around them, those around us, and those we aspire to lead. Many falter by not asking enough questions or by seeking input only from the same people. Some only ask questions to those who will tell them what they want to hear.
Take Action
Choose a Diverse Group: Select a varied group of people who will provide honest feedback that you can reflect upon.
Identify Development Areas: Look for common themes or trends in the feedback to identify key areas for growth.
Prioritize and Act: You don’t have to address everything at once. Choose at least one area to focus on initially.
Commit Daily: Begin working on it every day. Consistent effort leads to meaningful change.
Because leaders develop daily, not in a day—and in doing so, they inspire others to embark on their own journeys of growth.
Moving Forward Together
As we progress on this shared journey of leadership development, remember that leadership transcends titles and positions. It involves daily growth, intentional actions, and the influence we have on others. Your commitment to personal growth not only transforms you but also creates a positive impact on those around you.
In a world that’s constantly evolving, maintaining curiosity is essential. Embrace the diversity of experiences around you, remain open to new ideas, and continue to ask meaningful questions. Together, we can navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and move forward into new opportunities.
Leading Forward is here to provide insights and foster a community committed to continuous improvement.
Thank you for being part of Leading Forward. If you’re on the free tier, I’d love to hear what resonated with you in the article. Paid subscribers also have access to the companion resource, and I always appreciate knowing what clarity or momentum it helped you gain.
Sonia - Author & Founder, Leading Forward
