Please read the passage by John C Maxwell below. Following, please respond to the questions below. Submit via Canvas to earn your points.
There are five stages of leadership growth as a learner.
Phase 1: I don't know what I don't know
Many people fail to recognize the opportunities coming their way simply because they don't grow. Only a few think of themselves as leaders. They fail to realize that leadership is influence and we all influence someone. It's quite simple... 'As long as a person doesn't know what he doesn't know, he isn't going to grow.' ~ John C. Maxwell
Phase 2: I know that I need to know
Some of us take on positions where we are required to lead, only to discover that we are unable to fulfil the expectations. It happened to me when I was at university. I found myself in groups where I stepped up to lead, just to find out that I lack problem solving skills and can't motivate others to take action. When your efforts fail to deliver, you have two options. You can give up and go back to phase 1 or you can decide to step up your game, learn, improve yourself and your results.
Phase 3: I know what I don't know
I was quite young when I picked up my first leadership book. I wholeheartedly agreed with all that was in the book and I could see what people around me were lacking. I started to talk to others about leadership, character, integrity and more. Until one day I came to the realization that it's wonderful to teach others, but it won't make a difference in my life until I apply it myself. Yes, others need leadership. But you do too! Without improvement, you will always be stuck on the same level. Remember the first law? Your leadership level will be a lid on your effectiveness and performance, keeping you stuck no matter how hard you work.
Phase 4: I know and grow and it starts to show
There's something you need to know about leadership. It's not an overnight magic. It takes more than one book or one training to become a great leader. Leadership is not a sprint. You will not become a great leader in 50 minutes. It's a life-long journey. You learn, implement, fail, and get back up. Rinse and repeat. One day down the road you will turn back and realize how far you've come. But stay focused on the goal. Your goal is personal growth. Getting better every day. No excuse
Phase 5: I simply go because of what I know
Phase 4 is about you being intentional and growth focused. Phase 5 is when your growth becomes almost automatic. You've developed your habits, sharpened your instincts and they're taking you to new places. Each of us can get there, but it takes work and comes at a cost.
Please respond to the following questions.
1. According to the Law of Process, what must you be committed to in order to become a successful leader?
2. What steps do you see the other leaders in your organization taking in order to become better leaders?
3. In the last year what has contributed the most to your growth as a leader?