As a CEO or business leader, you’ve already climbed high to get where you are – but true leadership greatness means never stopping your growth. The best leaders continually transform themselves, finding new ways to lead, communicate, and inspire. In fact, even highly accomplished CEOs seek outside perspective; a Stanford survey found that roughly two-thirds of CEOs have worked with a coach to improve their leadership (What Percentage Of CEOs Have A Coach?). This drive for personal development isn’t a sign of weakness – it’s a hallmark of strong, self-aware leadership.
The “Locksmith” Mindset: Wilts Alexander often talks about being “a locksmith for leaders,” helping unlock doors they didn’t even realize were closed. What does that mean for you? It means recognizing that you have untapped potential – new skills to learn, habits to form, blind spots to illuminate. It starts with the mindset that “good enough” is never the enemy of “great.” By looking critically at your own leadership style and being open to change, you set the tone for your entire organization to pursue excellence. Leaders who transform themselves can ignite transformation in their companies.
Actionable Ways to Unlock Your Potential: Self-transformation can be approached in a few practical steps. Here are some strategies you can start with today:
- Embrace Continuous Learning: Carve out regular time to learn – read leadership books, attend executive workshops, or join peer forums. Expanding your knowledge keeps you ahead of the curve and models a growth mindset for your team.
- Seek Honest Feedback (and Listen): It can be lonely at the top, and many around you might hesitate to tell you hard truths. Proactively ask trusted colleagues, mentors, or an executive coach for candid feedback about your leadership. Identifying one blind spot or growth area is a win; it gives you a target for improvement.
- Align Your Leadership with Your Values: Reflect on whether your day-to-day leadership behaviors match the values you preach. Authenticity builds trust. For example, if innovation is a core value, are you personally open to new ideas and change? Consistency here will unlock greater respect and commitment from your employees.
Unlocking your leadership potential is an ongoing journey. Every improvement you make in yourself can cascade through your organization – when you become a better leader, you create a better company. The key takeaway is that personal transformation precedes organizational transformation. By adopting the mindset of a lifelong learner and seeking those keys to unlock your next level, you set yourself and your business on the path to lasting greatness. As Wilts would say, you’ve already built the “house” of success – now make sure you’re unlocking every door in it.