Leadership skills do not grow on their own

When I went back to school for my master’s in leadership a few years ago, my first class assignment was to answer the question, “What is leadership?” Twenty-one pages later, my answer was “Leadership is Influence.” By that very definition, we are all leaders. Parents influence children. Teachers influence students. Friends influence other friends. Doctors influence patients.

The critical thing to remember is that you need to develop your leadership skills. They won’t just grow on their own.

The ability to lead is a reflection of how you first, know yourself and then, how you grow those skills.

KNOW YOURSELF

One way to gain a better understanding of yourself is to take a personality test, such as the

Myers–Briggs Type Indicator, Florence Littauer’s “Personality Plus,” Sally Hogshead’s “How to Fascinate,” or the DiSC personal assessment tool. Of note: Some of these tests may be easier to understand than others.

Once you have taken one of these tests, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses. Then, capitalize on your strengths and surround yourself with people who compensate for your weaknesses.

GROW YOUR LEADERSHIP SKILLS

Next, you can then move on to nurture the other aspects of growing your leadership. Consider these resources:

Podcasts. I find podcasts to be quick and easy ways to learn about enhancing leadership skills. Examples include the “Maxwell Leadership Executive” (by John C. Maxwell), “Truly Human Leadership” (Barry-Wehmiller), and “Dare to Lead,” (podcast and book by Brené Brown).

TED Talks. I highly recommend Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why.” Based on a study by the Lovell Corporation in 2017, Generation Z (those born between 1994 and 2001) are driven more by purpose, passion, and impact. They will follow your Why. Further, a Google search can direct you to the five best TED Talks for becoming a better leader.

Books. I read a lot of books, or rather, listen to them while I’m on long car rides. Then, depending on my mood, I oscillate between which books I would highly recommend. I love anything by John C. Maxell. He addresses the concept of leadership in several books, including “The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership.” Brené Brown, Patrick Lencioni, Steven Covey, and Jim Collins are just a few of the authors whose books are regularly recognized by various organizations as all-time great leadership books.

THE MENTORSHIP DIFFERENCE

Finally, I cannot stress enough how finding a mentor can make a difference in your leadership skills. To identify a mentor, think of someone you feel has proven to have excellent leadership skills, and invite them for coffee or lunch at the next meeting you attend. Follow that person on social media. Attempt to keep in contact by text or email. I usually try to do at least two coffee or lunch meetings at every event to stay in touch with those I admire. I’ve also offered to be a mentor to several new docs. It’s been fun to get to know them, and now I see them in leadership positions — all proud moments for me.

Leadership does not develop on its own. You need to nurture it. So, let’s get together at the next meeting. It starts with you. See you soon! OM

DR. CARLSON was the first woman to serve as president of the American Optometric Association. Most recently, she was a 2019 recipient of Women of Optometry’s Theia Award for Leadership. In addition to her optometric leadership, Dr. Carlson is a 2020 graduate from the University of Jamestown, with a Master of Arts in Leadership, as well as a John Maxwell-certified speaker and trainer.