Stephen Covey, author of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" used the phrase "sharpen the saw" and said, “Sharpen the Saw means preserving and enhancing the greatest asset you have--you.”   As a leader you should consciously practice leadership skills for a multitude of reasons, as these skills are crucial for effectively guiding teams, organizations, and even communities towards success. 

To aid in the endeavor, the National Leaderology Association will be holding the first continuing education webinar Thursday, September 21st, 2023 at 5:30 PM.  The webinar will focus on 15 specific areas that leaders and followers should constantly consciously practice.  You can sign up using this link:  Webinar Sign-up   

This webinar is FREE and will be facilitated by NLA Leaderologists.  

Some key reasons why leaders should consistently practice and develop their leadership skills:

Effective Decision-Making: Leadership involves making decisions that can impact the direction and outcomes of a group or organization. Developing leadership skills enables leaders to make well-informed, strategic decisions that align with the goals and values of the group.

Team Motivation and Engagement: Effective leaders inspire and motivate their team members, fostering a positive and productive work environment. By practicing leadership skills, leaders can understand what drives and engages their team members, leading to higher levels of commitment and performance.

Conflict Resolution: Conflicts are inevitable in any group or organization. Leaders who possess strong leadership skills are better equipped to handle conflicts and disputes in a constructive and fair manner, promoting a harmonious work environment.

Communication: Communication is a cornerstone of leadership. Leaders must be adept at conveying their vision, goals, and expectations clearly to their team members. Practicing communication skills helps leaders avoid misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Adaptability: The business landscape is constantly evolving. Leaders with well-honed leadership skills are more adaptable and capable of guiding their teams through change and uncertainty, helping organizations stay competitive and resilient.

Building Trust: Trust is essential for effective leadership. Leaders who practice integrity, transparency, and consistency in their actions can build trust with their team members, leading to stronger relationships and a more cohesive team.

Innovation and Creativity: Leaders who encourage creativity and innovation within their teams can drive new ideas and solutions. By practicing leadership skills that foster an open and supportive environment, leaders can tap into the creative potential of their team members.

Personal Growth: Practicing leadership skills is not only beneficial for the team but also for the leader's personal growth. Learning and improving leadership skills can boost confidence, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence.

Crisis Management: During times of crisis, effective leadership becomes even more critical. Leaders with well-developed leadership skills can provide stability, reassurance, and guidance when faced with challenging situations.

Succession Planning: Developing leadership skills allows leaders to identify and nurture potential future leaders within their organization. This aids in succession planning, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership roles and maintaining continuity.

Employee Development: Effective leaders are invested in the growth and development of their team members. By practicing leadership skills, leaders can provide mentorship, coaching, and opportunities for skill enhancement, contributing to the professional growth of their team.

Achieving Goals: Ultimately, leadership skills are essential for achieving organizational goals and objectives. Leaders who can rally their team, align efforts, and optimize resources are more likely to drive success.

Putting It All Together:  Leadership skills are not just about holding a position of authority; the scientific, behavior-based skills are essential for creating a positive and productive work environment, achieving goals, and cultivating personal and organizational growth. Continuous practice and refinement of these skills contribute to the overall success of both the leader and the organization they lead.  Leadership isn’t just one skill; it is many skills that if not practiced daily may become lost or minimally not used effectively. Being consciously competent means that you consciously practice the skills of leadership, and continually evaluate where you are as a leader and a follower in the organization. Learning leadership is not enough, it must be practiced, sometimes daily, hourly, or even minute by minute, depending on the situation. It may be hard with all that you have going, but aren’t your leadership skills worth the time and effort to be sure you are “sharpening the saw,” as Stephen Covey puts it?  Please join us at the webinar and we will discuss 15 leadership areas where “sharpening the saw” may make all the difference!

About the Author: Dr. Chris Fuzie is the owner of CMF Leadership Consulting and is currently is the Business/HR Manager for a District Attorney’s office in California. Chris is a Leaderologist II and Vice President of the National Leaderology Association (NLA) who holds a Doctor of Education (Ed. D), M.A. and B.A. in Organizational Leadership, and has graduate certificates in Human Resources and Criminal Justice Education. Chris is a developer, trainer, consultant for leadership of public, private, profit, and non-profit organizations since 2010. Chris is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and a former National Instructor for the International Association of Chiefs of Police and California P.O.S.T. Courses. Chris is the author of "Because Why... Understanding Behavior in Exigencies." and of "S.C.O.R.E. Performance Counseling: Save the Relationship, Change the Behavior." Chris is honorably retired from the Modesto Police Department after 28 years of public service leading such teams as the Homicide Team, the Hostage Negotiations Team, the Street-Level Drug Team and the School Police Officer Team.