My Notes for Emerging Leaders: How to Drive Real Growth

"Advice for the young at heart, soon we will be older… When we gonna make it work?”

These lyrics from Tears for Fears’ Advice for the Young at Heart have always resonated with me. They remind us that leadership, like life, is a journey that requires us to act, grow, and adapt. And the best time to start is now. Just like in the song, the advice I’m about to share is not groundbreaking but rather simple truths that we often overlook in busy work lives.

As leaders, we all know that leadership is about more than just being in charge. It’s about creating a culture that empowers people, drives results, and fosters innovation. But to truly make an impact, we have to keep growing ourselves, just as much as we help others grow.

In my career, I’ve learned that four behaviors can make all the difference. These are the behaviors that great leaders live by—and that I believe every emerging leader should embrace.

1. Solve Problems, Don’t Just Manage Them

Problems are part of the journey. The question is, how do you approach them? Effective leaders don’t just react to problems—they anticipate them. They gather information, consider multiple perspectives, and stay focused on finding the best solution.

What you can do: Involve your team in scenario planning. Encourage them to think creatively about solutions and explore multiple pathways to success. This way, you prepare for the unexpected and teach your team to be adaptable problem solvers.

2. Focus on Results, Not Just Tasks

Being busy isn’t the same as being productive. Leaders who focus on outcomes are the ones who drive real change. It’s not enough to set a vision—you need to turn that vision into tangible, measurable results.

What you can do: Regularly check in on the key metrics that matter most. Make sure your team understands the bigger picture and encourage them to aim high. When everyone is aligned with the end goal, the journey becomes much more focused and effective.

3. Seek Out Different Perspectives

In today’s fast-paced world, staying in your comfort zone is a recipe for stagnation. Great leaders understand the power of different perspectives. They challenge their own thinking by seeking out diverse viewpoints, which leads to better decisions and more innovative ideas.

What you can do: Build a culture of openness. Invite feedback from everyone—especially from people who might see things differently than you do. Create an environment where debate is encouraged, and you’ll find that the best ideas often come from unexpected places.

4. Lead by Supporting Others

Leadership isn’t about telling people what to do. It’s about serving those around you. Your job is to create an environment where your team can thrive. When your people feel supported, they’ll not only perform better—they’ll also stay with you through the tough times.

What you can do: Check in with your team regularly—both professionally and personally. Show empathy, offer mentorship, and make sure every person feels seen and valued. Leadership is about relationships, and those relationships are what will help you weather any storm.

These are not just behaviors—they’re mindsets. Leadership is a journey, and growth comes when you embrace the challenges along the way. I’ve seen the power of these principles firsthand, and I believe they can help you become the kind of leader who inspires others to follow.

As Bob Dylan once said, “A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.” True leadership is about owning that responsibility, for yourself and for those you lead.

#LeadershipGrowth #YoungLeaders #ResultsDriven #EmpathyInLeadership #Innovation #TeamSupport