One aspect of leadership I have not specifically posted about in the past is the continual strive for improvement.  Strong leaders continously pay attention to the results of their behaviour.

Like the optimistically titled song from the Beatles Sargent Pepper Lonley Hearts Club album, leaders need to make sure- “It’s getting better” all the time.

Why Bother?

Ongoing improvement starts with identification of opportunities to do so.  The key underpinning and base quality of an exceptional leader is acceptance that there is always a way to make things better.

Champion athletes are a shining example of this.  Winning first place, setting a record, beating the toughest opponent findable is only the start for star competitors.

For them another challenge, a peak to conquer, a record to break is their lifeblood.  As for great athletes, or great anything, continuosly striving for the best is a critical underlying attribute.

How is it done?

It all starts with awareness.  That is self awareness.  As a leader you need to be able to accurately assess the answer to the simple question, how am I doing?

Not just once in a while but continuously.  Improvment, striving to be the best, can never stop if you truly desire to achieve greatness.  This is not about being the best at any moment, but more uniquely being the best all the time.

Coupled with your ongoing assessment of how you are doing comes ongoing behaviour changes.  This changes cause the results of your leadership (i.e., the results of your behaviours) to be better than the last assessment.