I was born and raised in Eastern New Mexico and West Texas. Farming and ranching were the predominate industries in the area. I learned early on what every farmer knows . . .

The growth of a crop only happens when the right ingredients are present. To harvest plentiful fields, the farmer has to begin by planting the right seed. He also has to plant the right seed in rich topsoil where sunlight and water can help the seed sprout, mature and bear fruit.

If any of the ingredients . . . seed, topsoil, sunlight or water . . . are missing, the crop won’t grow.

Growing as a leader also requires the proper ingredients. Unless the right attitudes and actions are cultivated, an aspiring leader will sputter and fail rather than grow in influence. With a majority of no less than four council positions up for election in the City of Lynnwood, that is important to keep in mind.

In short, I have elected to look at five basic qualities essential for growth and effectiveness as a leader – without exception. The ingredients are as follows: teachability, sacrifice, security, listening and application. Allow me to elaborate briefly on each one.

Teachability

Arrogance has a way of crowding out room for improvement. That’s why humility is the starting point for personal growth. As Erwin G. Hall once said, “An open mind is the beginning of self-discovery and growth. We can’t learn anything new until we can admit that we don’t already know everything.”

Adopting a beginner’s mind set helps you to be teachable. Beginners are aware they do not know it all and they proceed accordingly. As a general rule, they are open and humble. They are noticeably lacking in the rigidity that often accompanies experience and achievement.

It is easy enough to have a beginner’s mind when you are actually a beginner; however, maintaining teachability gets trickier in the long run especially when you’ve already achieved some degree of success.

Sacrifice:

Growth as a leader involves temporary loss. It may mean giving up familiar but limiting patterns, safe but unrewarding work, values no longer believed in, or relationships that have lost their meaning. Whatever the reason, everything we gain in life comes as a result of sacrificing something else. We must give up to go up.

Security

To continue learning throughout life, you have to be willing to say “I don’t know.” It can be difficult for executives to admit “lack of knowledge” because they frequently feel as if everyone is looking to them for answers and direction and they don’t want to let their people down.

However, followers aren’t looking for perfection in their leaders. They are looking for an honest, authentic, and courageous leader who won’t rest until the problem is solved – regardless of the obstacles facing the organization.

It took me many years to hit my stride as a communicator. During those years, I gave some boring speeches and wrote dull copy for articles and columns. I felt discouraged at times however, I was secure enough to keep taking the stage and honing my communication skills until I could connect with an audience. Had I been insecure, the negative evaluations of others would have sealed my fate, and I would not have excelled in my career.

Listening

Listen, learn and ask questions from successful people who have gone before you. I personally have an expanding list of mentors – both men and women. I would encourage you to borrow from their experiences so you can avoid their mistakes and emulate their triumphs. Solicit feedback and take to heart what you are told.
The criticism of friends or close associates may seem bitter however when heeded, it can save you from falling victim to your blind spots…and we all have them

Application

Knowledge has a limited shelf life. Unless used immediately or carefully preserved, it spoils and becomes worthless. Put the lessons you learned into practice so your insights mature into understanding. You become all the wiser the older you grow.

Higher and higher

Looking in retrospect, I can honestly tell you the five ingredients are crucial for anyone who is serious about their personal growth and leadership development. I strongly encourage you to cultivate the above ingredients in your life…it is never too late to begin.

Tend to them daily, be patient, and one day you will suddenly notice your leadership abilities have grown like a mighty oak tree that’s been nurtured with water, sunlight and tender-loving care!

Until next time. . .

— By Loren Simmonds

Loren Simmonds has been a resident of Lynnwood for 37 years. He served on the Lynnwood City Council for 16 years, including eight as Council President. He remains active in the community by serving on the Parks and Recreation Foundation Board, Civil Service Commission and the Snohomish County Planning Commission. He believes that volunteerism sows the seeds of community. Loren is semi-retired and works as a writer, speaker and leadership coach.