Your growth as a leader is one of the most important aspects of your leadership. If you are not growing as a leader, you will soon stop being a leader. It’s that simple.
And so, developing an atmosphere in which you can sustain and encourage your own growth, as well as the growth of those around you, is crucial.
We’ve taken a look at several different key elements in developing a growth-oriented environment. You may want to refresh your memory on the first three elements we examined, and then the second group of three.
Today, I want to briefly look at four final characteristics that are found in growth-oriented environments. I see these in all types of organizations, whether that is a church or ministry like my situation, or a business of some sort. These principles ring true across the spectrum.
Creating a growth environment is important. Someone once said that “when you’re through improving, you’re through.” I don’t know about you, but I’m not through.
Here are the final four elements.
You are in a growth environment if you are being challenged
This may seem to be obvious, but if you are being challenged, you are probably in a growth environment. Challenges help you to step up and reach for the next level in your leadership abilities. That may be something as simple as figuring out how to implement a new program or product, or it may come in the form of serious adversity. Don’t look at challenges as something to be avoided at all costs. Rather, view them as opportunities to grow. So, remove the word “impossible” from your vocabulary. Impossible only means that you haven’t found the solution yet.
Don’t see this in your life? Look for something deeper that will challenge you, either professionally or personally. For me, it may mean taking my youth ministry to the next level, teaching a series on a subject that I need to study harder to understand myself, reading or writing something that will challenge my thinking. Or it may mean I take up a new hobby or activity with my family. Do something to make yourself think outside the box.
You are in a growth environment if your atmosphere is affirming
One of the surest methods of growth is to receive affirmation for what you are doing. When we are genuinely praised for our efforts and work, it creates a desire to do more and do it better. It creates a desire to grow. However, affirmation can go to your head. Make sure you don’t get sucked into the trap of thinking that it’s all about you. Because it’s not.
Don’t see this in your life? One of the best ways to begin receiving affirmation in your life is by giving affirmation to others. Take a look around you. See what others are doing. Send them a card, or thank them publicly for what they are doing. People are encouraged when they are affirmed, and they will soon start reciprocating affirmation.
You are in a growth environment when failure is not feared
Robert F. Kennedy once said, “Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly. Don’t be afraid of failure. Failure is only temporary. And the lessons learned from failures are invaluable, and often they can’t be learned any other way. Thomas Edison faced numerous failures in his attempt to create a light bulb. But his perspective was this: he hadn’t failed; he had just found 10,000 ways that wouldn’t work. Eventually, he succeeded. And we see the results of his efforts every time we flip a switch.
Don’t see this in your life? Your cannot control the expectations of your superiors, I understand that. So, while they may not accept failure, you can keep your attitude toward failure in check. Surround yourself with quotes and illustrations of people who have succeeded in spite of numerous failures, such as Abraham Lincoln and Thomas Edison. Be inspired!
You are in a growth environment if you wake up excited
The surest indicator that you are in a growth-oriented environment is the level of excitement you feel. When you wake up and can’t wait to get into the thick of things, that’s a great sign! And excitement is contagious. When you are excited, your team is as well.
Don’t see this in your life? Look around you for the successes and the positive elements of your situation. Write them down. Celebrate them, even if they seem small. Soon, you’ll be celebrating more and more.
These ten elements are just a start. They are important aspects of creating an environment where growth occurs, but they aren’t the only ten ways. There are dozens more. Maybe these won’t work specifically for your situation (but I bet they will). If not, then keep experimenting and find ways to stimulate growth where you are, for yourself, for your team, and for your organization.
It’s definitely worth it!
Are there any ways to develop an environment for growth that I didn’t list here that you’ve found to be successful? You can share your thoughts in the comment section below.