Does practice make perfect? or just better?

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 This blog is all about the study and practice of leadership, particularly as it relates to the practical and experiential aspects. Fundamentally, we study this subject not for the knowledge in and of itself, but rather to gain the skills, resources, and tools needed for the application in the real world. Having data-driven, research-based knowledge is very helpful since it makes our understanding of the subject a little less daunting—we can rely on the proven aspects of leadership and utilize those as we move forward.

The research isn’t perfect, and it may not fit the actual situation or the people we are dealing with, but at least we have a “fighting chance” to get it right.  Leading is all about practice—in our daily lives, our personal and family relationships, our work, the community, and even volunteer experiences. We must constantly be like musicians, athletes, and others who practice their craft each and every day to get better. We must also reflect and consider HOW we are doing in order to make positive changes in order to strive for perfection.

Professionals practice their craft and they get very good at it over time, with continued training, experience, and most importantly, reflection. Many times, they actually teach others, which is essential in helping their own mastery. When I teach, I often am asked about situations that I’ve never experienced—but by being slightly uncomfortable at first, I can actually bring some thought to it and expand my own knowledge in the process. It’s actually quite fun! I see leadership as very much the same. Every new question, every unforeseen event, every challenging situation or person presents a new learning opportunity. And it gives us the ability to show others the way, by modeling how it should be. Transparency and authenticity, especially when we make mistakes, is another great way to lead by example. By building it into the organization’s culture and ethos, we can bring about a positive and long-lasting change.



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