Developing Leadership: How can you do that?

In today's dynamic world, leadership development is essential for effective and impactful leadership. You have likely already taken steps in your development, but how do you further develop yourself as a leader so that you and your team truly make an impact? In this article, we provide you with the essential steps to strengthen your leadership skills, based on the proven insights of the Impeccable Leadership (ILS) method.

What is leadership development? 

Leadership development goes far beyond acquiring skills. It is about creating an environment where people dare to utilize their full potential. Leadership is not about control, but about connecting, building trust, and encouraging collaboration. It requires conscious choices, empathy, and inspiration. But how do you achieve this concretely?

It all starts with understanding the dynamics within your team and promoting open communication. How do you create an environment where your team feels safe to share ideas, take responsibility, and work together towards growth and innovation? With a shared vision as a solid foundation, this is achievable.

The three phases of leadership development

Leadership development is a process that begins with self-reflection and evolves into team-oriented action. In the ILS method, we distinguish three key phases:

1. Reactive phase: This phase often focuses on quick, short-term results. Under pressure, leaders may fall into the trap of control, creating stagnation and distance within the team.
2. Active phase: In this phase, you consciously work on improving relationships. By finding the right balance between guidance and listening, an open culture emerges where ideas can flourish.
3. Proactive phase: Here, you lead with accepted authority, without it feeling like imposed power. The team functions autonomously, collaborates on common goals, and exceeds its own expectations.

Want to learn more about how to move your team from reactive to proactive? Then read our article From Reactive to Proactive: Transform your team with these steps.

How to start developing leadership?

Now you might be wondering where to start. Here are some practical steps to elevate your leadership to a higher level:

1. Start with self-awareness. Leadership begins with understanding your own behavior, thoughts, and emotions. Self-reflection helps you see how your way of working affects team dynamics. Ask yourself: "What patterns do I notice in myself under pressure?" Gaining insight into this creates room for change. The impact test is a useful tool and a first step to gaining this insight.
   
   
2. Create a safe environment. Safety is the foundation for team development. Employees must feel free to share their ideas, mistakes, and concerns without fear of negative repercussions. A safe environment fosters trust and keeps team members engaged.
   
   
3. Understand the phases of team development. Recognize the different phases of team development (Reactive, Active, and Proactive phases) and adjust your leadership style accordingly. Know which phase your team is in and which style best suits it.
   
   
4. Focus on the relationship, not just the content. While content is important, relationships are crucial for sustainable impact. The ILS method emphasizes connection and letting go of control. When you give more space as a leader, the team naturally takes responsibility, contributing to deeper engagement and better results.
   
   
5. Ask the right questions. The Transformation Process Model (TPM) of ILS helps you deepen conversations and discover the core of challenges. Ask questions that help your team come to insights and solutions together. By asking curious questions, you encourage team members to share openly and learn together.
   
   
6. Embrace vulnerability. Showing vulnerability as a leader creates trust and invites others to do the same. Instead of wanting to control everything, give your team members the space to grow. By being open yourself, you set the example that personal growth and self-reflection are essential for team development.

Why is this important?

Leaders who cling to traditional control mechanisms often suppress the creativity and engagement of their team. By letting go of control and fostering a culture of openness and trust, you stimulate innovation and enhance your team's performance. When you prioritize your team's development, you lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth and success.

Inspire and activate: Do the Leadership Impact Test! 

Are you curious about how much impact your leadership has? Discover where you currently stand and what steps you can take to become even more effective. Take the Leadership Impact Test and gain valuable insights into your current style and development potential.

Or take a look at our multi-day training; Leadership & Coaching.