Leadership isn’t a destination. It’s a journey. And like any worthwhile journey, Growth requires more than good intentions—it requires intentional steps along the way.
This past week, I had the privilege of spending three days in Florida at a keynote speaker retreat. It was an opportunity to step out of my day-to-day work and focus on sharpening my craft. Surrounded by other speakers, I was able to learn, reflect, and walk away with new techniques that will make me better at what I do.
That experience reminded me of something I say often to the leaders I coach: if you aren’t intentionally working on your growth, you’re unintentionally holding yourself back. Leadership growth doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when we choose to lean in.
Here are five intentional steps leaders can take to keep growing:
The best leaders are lifelong learners. Whether it’s attending a retreat, a conference, or even reading a book, growth comes from putting yourself in environments where new ideas can stretch you. My retreat in Florida reminded me how powerful it is to be surrounded by people who inspire you to think differently and push your skills forward.
Ask yourself: Where is your next learning opportunity? Don’t wait for it to come to you—seek it out.
It’s not enough to collect new knowledge—you have to make sense of it. Reflection is where growth really takes root. At the retreat, I made time to step back between sessions, jot down notes, and connect what I was hearing to my own journey. That simple act of pausing made the learning more personal and more powerful.
Ask yourself: Do you take time each day or week to reflect on what’s working, what’s not, and what you’re learning along the way?
One of the quickest ways to accelerate growth is to invite feedback. Honest, constructive feedback helps us see what we can’t always see ourselves. During the retreat, peers and mentors shared insights about my speaking that challenged me to think differently. Feedback isn’t always easy to hear, but it’s always valuable if you want to grow.
Ask yourself: Who in your world can you invite to give you honest feedback this week?
Growth doesn’t come from theory alone—it comes from practice. At the retreat, I didn’t just hear new techniques; I had the chance to put them into practice. Leadership is no different. Whether it’s running a meeting, giving feedback to a team member, or presenting in front of a group, intentional practice builds confidence and sharpens skills.
Ask yourself: What specific skill are you intentionally practicing right now to become a stronger leader?
You can’t pour into others if you’re running on empty. Leadership growth requires taking care of yourself—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Stepping away to Florida gave me not only new tools but also fresh energy. I came back refocused and recharged, ready to show up better for the leaders I serve.
Ask yourself: What’s one way you can recharge this week so you’re ready to give your best to others?
Leadership growth is not accidental. It’s the result of intentional choices—prioritizing learning, making time for reflection, inviting feedback, practicing your craft, and Investing in your own energy.
When leaders get better, everyone around them benefits.
So this week, I challenge you: choose one intentional step. Lean into it. And watch how your growth not only impacts you, but also elevates the people you lead.
If you or your team could use a guide to walk alongside you in this work, I’d Love to help. Let’s talk about how we can bring this kind of transformation to your school or district.
Together, we can move focus on continual growth and improvement.
Send me a message or visit RoadToAwesome.net to start the conversation.
Tune in this Sunday to “Leaning into Leadership” when I sit down with Casey Watts to talk leadership Clarity, team development, and some of those pesky buzzwords.
