Is Learning Part of Your Leadership Strategy?

The expectations of business leaders today aren't the same as they were 50, 20, or even five years ago. Teams are more diverse, organizations are more complex, and the marketplace is more competitive than ever before. To stay at the top of their game, today's business leaders have to make personal development part of their leadership strategy.

Leadership development and executive coaching through LEAP is one way to keep growing as a leader, but that's not all you can do to step up your leadership game. Use these resources to level up your leadership skills, knowledge, and mindset this year.

Building Soft and Hard Skills

Leadership isn't just a position. It's a skill. However, the skills that make a great leader are harder to identify than technical prowess.

●     When you want to be a better leader, developing soft skills is the place to start. The best leaders have a creative, growth-oriented mindset, the productivity habits to sustain flow, and people skills that empower everyone to reach their full potential.

●     A variety of online courses promise to teach soft skills, but you don't know what you're doing wrong without feedback. Working with a coach is a more effective way to build soft skills because it provides instant feedback.

●     Soft skills define leadership, but every executive needs certain hard skills to lead effectively. This includes financial management, operations, and data-driven decision making. MBA programs are the best place to acquire these skills. If you can't afford time away, online MBAs work around your schedule.

Quick Online Courses for Leaders

Short-format online courses can't replace formal education or leadership coaching offered at LEAP. However, when you have a little time to spare and want to spend it expanding your mindset, these online courses on leadership are a good place to start.

●     Howard Schultz: Leading a Values-Based Business: This 12-part MasterClass from former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is full of expert insights on balancing values and profits within an organization.

●     Productive Prioritization: Tools to Build Your System: From Trello's Brian Cervino, this Skillshare class covers ways to optimize productivity for yourself and your team.

●     Diversity and inclusion aren’t something you master in one session. These 10 free courses provide the essential background you need to be a more inclusive leader.

●     While not a class per se, TED Talks are an excellent source of advice and inspiration. Check out TED's collection of leadership talks to hear from some of the best.

The Best Leadership Books to Read This Year

Many of the best leaders are also avid readers. Leaders who read constantly expose themselves to new ideas and ways of thinking. Here are three reading lists to inspire your bookshelf.

●     Company culture is more important than most executives give it credit for. And as one of the best reads on company culture explains, when problems arise, It's the Manager.

●     There's never been a more apt time for conversations about diversity and inclusion. These books on diversity help leaders build a company where everyone's contributions are valued.

●     Visionary thinking is what sets great leaders apart from good leaders. When you want to foster an innovative mindset, this reading list will get you there.

It's not easy finding time for professional development in a busy executive's day. But when you make leadership learning a priority, you'll see just how worthwhile expanding your mindset can be. Not only does becoming a more capable, inclusive, and creative leader drive your company's growth, but it also sets an example from the top down.

When you want to build a stronger organization, start at the top with executive coaching and leadership development. Contact LEAP to get started.