Growth Doesn’t Just Happen: Why Intentionality is a Leadership Superpower Many assume that they will naturally grow, improve, and become better leaders as time passes. But growth doesn’t just happen—it requires effort, discipline, and intentionality. Leaders can fall into complacency, stagnation, or even regression without deliberate action. If you want to become a more effective leader, you must actively pursue growth, not passively expect it to come with experience. Why Intentionality Matters in Leadership Intentionality is the difference between leaders who go through the motions and those who make an impact. When you lead with purpose, you create growth opportunities for yourself and those around you. Here’s why intentionality is crucial: It Helps You Set a Clear Vision Leaders without intentionality often lack direction. When you are intentional about growth, you define where you want to go and set a vision for your personal and professional development. It Prevents Stagnation Without a proactive approach to growth, it’s easy to get stuck in routines that don’t challenge or inspire you. Intentional leaders continuously seek new learning opportunities, skills, and perspectives. It Develops Stronger Relationships Leadership isn’t just about achieving goals; it’s about empowering people. Intentional leaders make it a point to build trust, foster communication, and invest in the growth of those they lead. Steps to Lead with Intentionality If you’re ready to be more intentional about your leadership growth, here are five practical steps to get started: 1. Set Growth Goals Great leaders don’t wait for opportunities to arise—they create them. Define clear, measurable goals for your personal and professional development. Ask yourself: What skills do I need to develop? How can I improve my leadership style? What impact do I want to make in my organization? 2. Prioritize Learning and Development Intentional leaders are lifelong learners. Make it a habit to read leadership books, attend workshops, seek mentorship, and listen to podcasts that challenge your thinking. Growth is a continuous process; the more you invest in learning, the more effective you become. 3. Surround Yourself with Growth-Minded People Your environment plays a significant role in shaping your growth. Surround yourself with people who inspire, challenge, and push you toward excellence. Engage in mastermind groups, networking circles, and conversations that fuel your leadership development. 4. Reflect and Adjust Regularly Growth requires reflection. Set aside time to evaluate your progress, celebrate small wins, and adjust your strategy as needed. Ask yourself: What have I learned this month? What challenges have helped me grow? What changes do I need to make? 5. Take Action Consistently Intentionality without action is just wishful thinking. Consistency is key to growth. Implement what you learn, step out of your comfort zone, and commit to taking action every day, even if it’s small. Thoughts Circling in My Mind Are ... Growth is a Choice You won’t become a better leader by accident. You have to choose growth daily. The greatest leaders intentionally improve their skills, deepen their self-awareness, and build stronger relationships. The question is: Are you being intentional about your growth, or are you waiting for it to happen on its own? Your future success as a leader starts with the decisions you make today. Be intentional. Take control of your growth. And watch how it transforms not just your leadership but the people you lead. Special Note for Blog Weekly Readers: Email drangela.scott@ghcsmile.com with subject line: I AM Intentional About My Growth - I will send you a free hard copy of Journaling with a S.M.I.L.E. - daily devotional guiding you to purposely focus on your faith, family, fitness, finance, and friendships.

Leadership is not just about guiding others—it’s about knowing yourself first. Self-awareness is the foundation of purpose-driven leadership, enabling leaders to make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and create lasting impact. A leader who lacks self-awareness is like a ship sailing without a compass—adrift, reactionary, and unable to lead with clarity and intention. Why Self-Awareness Matters in Leadership It Strengthens Decision-Making Leaders who understand their strengths, weaknesses, and emotional triggers can make better choices. They are less likely to act impulsively or be swayed by external pressures. It Enhances Emotional Intelligence Self-aware leaders can regulate their emotions, empathize with others, and navigate challenges with composure. This fosters trust and respect among teams. It Fosters Personal and Professional Growth Awareness of one’s limitations creates opportunities for learning and development. Leaders who recognize areas for improvement actively seek growth opportunities. It Builds Stronger Relationships When leaders understand their communication style, they can adapt to others, leading to more effective and harmonious interactions with their teams and peers. How to Cultivate Self-Awareness as a Leader 1. Embrace Honest Reflection Regularly take time to analyze your thoughts, actions, and decisions. Ask yourself: What went well today? What could I have handled better? (One of my favorite thoughts is this: I don't aim for perfection; instead, I strive to make better choices.) How did my actions align with my values and leadership goals? Journaling or setting aside time for self-reflection allows leaders to track patterns in their behavior and make intentional improvements. 2. Seek Constructive Feedback Self-awareness is not just about how you see yourself—it’s also about understanding how others perceive you. Regularly seek feedback from peers, mentors, and team members. Ask questions like: What are my greatest strengths as a leader? In what areas could I improve? How do I make others feel when I communicate? Receiving feedback with an open mind and acting on it demonstrates humility and a commitment to growth. While it's important to seek feedback from those who care about you, I advise you to also reach out to individuals who can provide honest and constructive criticism and genuinely want to see you win. 3. Identify Your Emotional Triggers Every leader has emotional triggers that can influence their reactions. Being aware of what frustrates, excites, or challenges you allows you to respond intentionally rather than react impulsively. Practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or pausing before responding, to manage your emotions effectively. 4. Leverage Personality and Strengths Assessments Tools like the DISC Personality Assessment, StrengthsFinder, or the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can provide valuable insights into your leadership style, strengths, and potential blind spots. Understanding these elements helps you lead with greater awareness and authenticity. 5. Align Actions with Core Values A self-aware leader consistently aligns their actions with their values and principles. Define what you stand for and ensure that your decisions reflect those beliefs. Ask yourself: Am I leading with integrity? Do my actions align with my personal and professional mission? How can I better embody my values in leadership? The Ripple Effect of Self-Awareness in Leadership Self-awareness doesn’t just benefit the individual—it transforms organizations and communities. Leaders who practice self-awareness create environments of openness, trust, and innovation. They set the standard for accountability, encouraging their teams to do the same. Thoughts Circling in My Mind Are ... Leadership Begins Within You cannot lead others effectively until you understand yourself. Wow! That’s quite a mouthful! I understand you might have thought of a handful of individuals who are unaware of their emotions and how they communicate. Just share this article with them. Listen, self-awareness is the gateway to purpose-driven leadership, allowing you to make conscious decisions, foster meaningful relationships, and continuously evolve. The greatest leaders are not those who have all the answers but those who are willing to reflect, learn, ask questions, and grow. The question is: Are you leading with self-awareness, or are you operating on autopilot? The choice to grow starts with looking inward. A great resource to check out : Unveiling You Charting Your Course https://a.co/d/0SJNfwk

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