Self-Development:🌱 The Fourth Stage: How to Thrive As A Leader

Here’s a leadership confession I never expected to make:

For a while, I stopped growing—and didn’t even realize it. I was getting promoted. My calendar was full. People looked to me for answers. From the outside, I looked like I had it all together. But on the inside? I had unknowingly put myself in leadership cruise control. No new roots. No new growth rings. Just a well-maintained routine. And honestly, I thought that was enough—until it wasn’t.

Has this ever happened to you?

Leadership Isn’t About Time Served

Leadership is about how you develop during that time of serving.

🌱 The Subtle Problem No One Warns Leaders About

Most people assume that leadership is the final stage of growth. You climb the ladder, hit the goals, and settle into your role as the one who teaches others. The one who develops everyone else.

But here’s the real kicker:

The moment you think your personal growth is optional… you’ve already stopped leading.

Because leadership isn’t a title. It’s a responsibility. And that responsibility includes growing yourself, not just your team.

I didn’t fully get that until I hit a wall in my own leadership journey.

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🪵 My Wake-Up Call: The Tree That Stopped Growing

Early in my career, I was asked to take a leadership development course.

To be honest, I resisted it at first. I had a team to run. A life to balance. I was already “developed,” right?

But during one session, a facilitator shared this statement that stuck with me:

“Leaders are like trees. If you stop growing roots, you won’t stand strong when the storms come. You may look healthy, but eventually you’ll crack.”

That’s when it hit me.

That’s when I realized—I hadn’t been growing roots. I’d been managing branches. Keeping up appearances. Repeating old habits. Not reaching deeper.

That moment changed how I viewed leadership. It shifted growth from a “nice to have” to a non-negotiable.

Leadership Is About Sharpening Your Skills

If you’re not growing, you’re standing still. And no one follows a leader who’s stuck.

Your Leaders Shift: Grow Because You Lead

Here’s the shift that took root in me—and might need to take root in you too:

Growth isn’t something you outgrow. It’s something you grow through.

You don’t get promoted out of development—you get promoted into the responsibility to grow intentionally, continuously, and visibly.

That doesn’t mean you have to enroll in a new certification every year or read 52 books. It means you lead with curiosity. You model what it looks like to pursue growth on purpose. You make it safe for others to stretch when they see you stretching, too.

Because here’s the truth:

People follow growing leaders. Not just knowing leaders.

Get A Guide So You Don’t Get Lost

Wise leaders find someone who’s already been where they want to go. And they ask for directions.

3 Actions to Restart Your Growth Journey (Even If You Feel Stuck)

If it’s been a while since you invested in your own development—no judgment. But let’s get you back on track. Here are three simple, practical ways to restart your growth journey today:

1. Get Honest with Yourself: Ask “Where Have I Stopped Growing?”- Start with a pause. No pressure. Just reflection. Is there a part of leadership that feels harder than it should right now? Where are you playing it safe instead of growing?

Remember Self-Awareness is the first step. Be brave enough to answer the questions you’ve been avoiding.

2. Pick One Growth Focus for the Next 90 Days - Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to fix everything. Just choose one skill, mindset, or behavior to grow intentionally in the next three months. Maybe it’s:

🌱Listening more than speaking
🌱Delegating with trust instead of micromanaging
🌱Having courageous conversations with clarity and care

Growth doesn’t need to be complicated—it needs to be consistent.

3. Get Outside Perspective (Hint: You Can’t Coach Yourself)- The biggest growth leaps I’ve made didn’t happen alone. They happened when someone outside my day-to-day helped me see what I couldn’t.

Whether it’s a mentor, coach, or trusted colleague—get someone who can help you identify your blind spots, encourage your strengths, and hold you accountable.

You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have

You can’t lead people into growth if you’re not willing to go there first. Master these three, and you’ll unlock the kind of growth that leads to real impact.

The Leadership Growth Plan You Didn’t Know You Needed

Here’s the good news: You don’t need to overhaul your life to grow again. You just need a plan—and someone to help you follow through on it.

That’s what I do for leaders just like you.

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start growing intentionally—let’s have a conversation. No pressure. Just a free 30-minute discovery call to see if coaching is the right next step for your leadership journey.

👉 Book your free discovery call here, and let’s design your growth plan together—because the best leaders aren’t the ones who know it all. They’re the ones who keep growing… even when no one’s watching.

I’m cheering 📣 for you!

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