How can you develop leadership skills as an adult learner?

1 Assess your strengths and gaps

The first step to developing your leadership skills is to identify your current strengths and areas for improvement. You can use various tools and methods to assess your leadership competencies, such as self-reflection, feedback, surveys, or tests. For example, you can take the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) to measure how often you engage in five key leadership behaviors: modeling the way, inspiring a shared vision, challenging the process, enabling others to act, and encouraging the heart. By assessing your strengths and gaps, you can set realistic and specific goals for your leadership development.

2 Seek learning opportunities

The next step is to seek learning opportunities that match your goals and interests. You can find various sources and formats of learning, such as online courses, workshops, webinars, podcasts, books, articles, or mentors. For example, you can enroll in a course on leadership styles, communication, or emotional intelligence, or join a webinar on how to lead change or innovation. You can also look for mentors or coaches who can guide you, challenge you, and support you in your leadership journey. The key is to choose learning opportunities that are relevant, engaging, and flexible for your needs and preferences.

3 Apply your learning

The third step is to apply your learning to your real-life situations and challenges. You can use various strategies and techniques to practice your leadership skills, such as action learning, case studies, simulations, role plays, or projects. For example, you can join or initiate an action learning group with other adult learners who share a common leadership challenge, and work together to find solutions and learn from each other. You can also use case studies or simulations to analyze and solve complex problems, or role plays or projects to demonstrate and receive feedback on your leadership behaviors.

4 Reflect on your progress

The fourth step is to reflect on your progress and outcomes of your leadership development. You can use various tools and methods to reflect on your learning, such as journals, portfolios, logs, or reviews. For example, you can keep a journal to record your learning experiences, insights, and achievements, or create a portfolio to showcase your leadership projects and results. You can also use logs or reviews to track your goals, actions, and feedback, and evaluate your strengths, gaps, and areas for improvement.

5 Seek feedback and support

The fifth step is to seek feedback and support from others who can help you improve your leadership skills. You can use various sources and methods to seek feedback and support, such as peers, colleagues, managers, mentors, coaches, or networks. For example, you can ask your peers or colleagues for constructive feedback on your leadership performance, or seek advice from your managers or mentors on how to overcome challenges or seize opportunities. You can also join or create networks or communities of practice with other adult learners who share your leadership interests, goals, or challenges, and exchange ideas, resources, or support.

6 Celebrate your achievements

The sixth and final step is to celebrate your achievements and recognize your growth as a leader. You can use various ways and means to celebrate your achievements, such as rewards, recognition, or sharing. For example, you can reward yourself for completing a leadership course, project, or challenge, or recognize your peers or colleagues for their contributions or support. You can also share your achievements and learnings with others, such as your mentors, coaches, networks, or social media, and inspire others to pursue their leadership development.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?