Getting Better

Last week, we talked about one of the most important attributes of effective leaders—the ability to be centered.

Centered leaders know who they are and why they do what they do. They are anchored in values, driving toward mission, and fueled by purpose. Centeredness is the groundwork for effective leadership. 

But once you’ve laid this groundwork, your personal development is not over! In fact, if we are going to lead effectively, we must be committed to continually getting better. And if we are going to get better, we must increase our own capacity.

Merriam-Webster defines capacity as “the facility or power to produce, perform, or deploy.”

Capacity is the potential you have, and that potential must grow. Think about it this way: If you are not getting better, your organization isn’t either. And if your organization is not getting better, it may be dying. Personal development is not just good for you; it’s imperative for the well-being of your organization.

Today I’m going to get super practical and give you three things to help you expand your ability, enlarge your potential, and increase your capacity.

1. Increase Confidence
This advice does not conflict with the need to have humility. I’m not talking about being arrogant, but I get so tired of spending time with people who have limiting self-talk. I encounter too many  people who put limits on their lives that God never put on them. They say things about themselves that set artificial limits. I am too young. I don’t know enough yet. I don’t have the graduate degree. I don’t have the right experience. I am not wealthy. I didn’t get the proper training. 

Maybe this is the reminder you need to increase your confidence. You aren’t limited by who others say you are. You aren’t even limited by who you think you are. You are who you God says you are. You will never increase your capacity and achieve your calling until you have more confidence in the person God made you to be.

2. Expand Connections
“You show me the people you spend time with, and I will show you who you are becoming.” I’ve heard this statement a million times, and it’s for a good reason. It’s as true for the senior in high school as it is for the senior citizen.

One person that could mentor you.  A client who could exponentially grow your business. A colleague whose idea might streamline your organization.  A friend who gives you counsel you desperately need.  An advocate who elevates your cause. 

So surround yourself with people who challenge you to get better. Find someone who won’t let you quit on your dream. Hold onto the friend who stays close when things get hard. Truett Cathy used to always say, “Businesses don’t succeed or fail; people do.” If we want to succeed as leaders, we need to be around people who will help us get there.

3. Strengthen Commitment
One of our core values at ADDO is grit, and it just might be the most important. Grit is an intangible quality the leaders desperately need. Decide you want something so badly that nothing will stop you from pursuing it. Stop talking about growing your business and do something about it. Find advisers, seek out investors, and hit the ground running toward your goal. Quit saying you’re going to eventually get out of debt. Instead, make a plan, slash your budget, and as Dave Ramsey says, “Live like no one else now, so you can live like no one else later.” Don’t delay investing in your marriage. Decide to dig in, pray together, invest in counseling, and do whatever it takes to strengthen your relationship. Stop saying you’ll eventually get involved in your church or a charity. Sign up to volunteer today. If you want to raise your capacity, you’ve got to raise your level of commitment. 

Unlike some posts, this is not meant for just a few of us. Every. Single. Person reading this needs to increase their capacity. 

Pick an area and work on it. Whether it’s confidence, connections, or commitment, make a conscious choice to increase your capacity, and start today.