Personal Growth is the Foundation of Effective Leadership

Marcia Carter

CEO, Carter Connection

At the helm of Carter Connection, her Management and Leadership consultancy firm, she has been instrumental in elevating numerous organizations to fulfill their full potential. She is facilitating a virtual mastermind on John Maxwell’s 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth starting June 13th, 2024. Join her here today!

Personal growth is not just a cornerstone but the very foundation of effective leadership. It’s a transformative journey that leaders embark on, engaging in continual self-improvement and learning to foster the advancement of their teams. Reflecting on my journey, I started recording thoughts for my book ‘It’s Not Just What You Say’ in 2016, not realizing that it would lead to me starting my own company and managing a team. Despite the brilliance of my team members, they still seek my leadership and feedback for mentorship and, occasionally, for clear instructions on how to proceed.  

As a leader, I am not just committed but driven to create an environment that propels my team and myself forward and encourages our joint progress. After reading John C. Maxwell’s ‘The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth,’ I’ve recognized my pivotal role in cultivating my team’s growth. The concepts are not just principles I hold in high regard but tools I am eager to share with you, empowering you to foster individual and career development.

GROWTH IS AN EXPECTATION: 

As leaders and team members, we must prioritize development. Our surroundings should be a nurturing ground for learning and continuous enhancement. This means being mindful of the people we surround ourselves with, ensuring they are individuals who strive for self-improvement and contribute to our growth.

STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE: 

You learn by being exposed to new things and grow when you know them.  My first taste of leadership was less than two years into my career. I was offered and accepted the job of evening supervisor of the radiology department at a hospital in Wilmington, Delaware.  I was 23 years old and did not have much life experience.  I found myself managing people twice my age in a country I barely knew – talk about being out of my comfort zone, but boy, I learned a lot about myself and leading others.  I made mistakes, but I attribute that experience to my desire to learn how to be a better leader.

FOCUS ON THE MOMENT: 

Mother Teresa said, “Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow has not yet come. We only have today. Let us begin”.  I interpret that as don’t beat yourself (or your team) up about what happened, and don’t get paralyzed worrying about what will happen – What we do now affects who we become and where we are in the future.

GIVE OTHERS ROOM TO GROW: 

I believe the universe holds abundance for everyone. Often, individuals hesitate to share their wisdom, fearing that their protégés might outshine them or thinking that others must endure the same hardships they did. However, by allowing others the space and freedom to flourish, you’re also setting the stage for your growth. When you see someone striving, offer them a chance to excel with the hope that they’ll extend the same generosity to others in the future.

FOSTER A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT: 

Providing feedback can be challenging, but it’s essential to ensure it’s constructive and elevating rather than disheartening. Create an environment where people feel free to share their thoughts (within appropriate limits), make mistakes, or even face setbacks. Encourage them to persevere and continue their journey of personal and professional growth.

DON’T BE AFRAID OF CHALLENGE: 

Challenges are not just obstacles but stepping stones to success. They push you out of your comfort zone, prompting innovation and creativity. When you confront a challenge head-on, you work towards solving a problem and building resilience and confidence. Each challenge conquered is a lesson learned; with each lesson, you become more adept at navigating the complexities of life and work.

CREATE SPACE WHERE CHANGE IS EMBRACED AND EXPECTED:  

Creating a space where change is embraced and expected fosters an environment that accepts and anticipates transformation as a natural and beneficial part of the organization. This involves cultivating a
mindset that views change not as a threat but as an essential ingredient for progress, innovation,
and growth. 

FAILURE IS NOT YOUR ENEMY: 

Instead of viewing failure as a setback, it can be reframed as an opportunity for growth. It is a chance to analyze what went wrong, adjust, and try again with a better strategy. This process of trial and error is fundamental to innovation and discovery.

I challenge everyone reading this to ask the following questions:

1. What is helping me grow?
2. What is my purpose? 
3. What is sustaining me?

The journey to leadership is a growth journey that is open to everyone. It’s a path that involves
continuous learning, self-discovery, and the development of technical skills, emotional
intelligence, and strategic thinking. It is both personal and collective. It’s a path that encourages
us to become the best versions of ourselves while contributing positively to the world around us.
It is a journey that we can all embrace, with the understanding that every step forward is a step
toward becoming a more effective, compassionate, and visionary leader.