you don't get stronger from watching someone else work out

I was working with a group of aspiring leaders recently and they were soaking up the knowledge and ideas like sponges. A couple of weeks went by and we had our next session and while they were still keen, attentive and engaged, few had actually put the theory into practice in real life, at the coal face.

There were a variety of reasons why - some didn't feel confident enough yet, some feared failure etc. I encouraged them to have a go, as my philosophy is that only a very small part of learning happens in the classroom or training environment, the real growth and development happens when we try stuff.

Those of us who want to get better at leading do lots of good things like read, study online, attend workshops and conferences etc but not trying to put the ideas into practice is like wanting to get fit and strong by watching someone else train. It's not going to happen! If we have the desire to be better leaders, we also must have the courage to risk failing and try stuff.

Cheers

Greg