5 Powerful Reasons Why Great Leaders Never Stop Practicing
Have you ever tried something new and felt overwhelmed by how much there is to learn? Whether it’s picking up a new sport, starting a new job, or learning a new skill, it can feel like you’re drowning in the basics. All you want to do is jump in and do the fun, advanced stuff, but that’s not how it works. If you’ve ever been frustrated by feeling stuck in the fundamentals, you’re not alone. I’ve been there, and so have countless others. No matter how skilled or experienced you become, it always comes back to practicing the basics. The difference between those who succeed and those who don’t isn’t necessarily talent; it’s the willingness to keep practicing the fundamentals over and over again.
It’s easy to get caught up in the desire for perfection. After all, who doesn’t want to be the best at what they do? But here’s the thing: perfection is a moving target. The best athletes, the top leaders, and the highest performers don’t reach the top by aiming for perfection. Instead, they make progress by committing to continuous practice, embracing imperfection, and understanding that true mastery comes with time.
Mastering the Basics
Basics are the foundation of everything. The fundamentals must be strong in leadership, sports, or any skill before you can build on them. Think about when you learned to play a sport or an instrument. The drills, the scales, the repetition—it wasn’t what we looked forward to, but it set the stage for everything else. Even in leadership, mastering basics like clear communication, giving feedback, and setting expectations lays the groundwork for navigating more complex challenges. Basics might seem boring, but they are what holds everything together. Starbucks’s new CEO just discussed the need to go “back to basics.” This approach is a great reminder of how even the most iconic brands rely on fundamentals to grow.
1. Practice as a Journey, Not a Destination
One of the biggest misconceptions about practice is that it’s something you outgrow once you’ve reached a certain level. In reality, practice never stops. Top athletes continue to train every day. Exceptional leaders are constantly working on honing skills. Practice isn’t just about learning something new, it’s about maintaining and sharpening what you already know. It’s what keeps you moving forward and evolving, both personally and professionally.
2. Patience and Persistence Pay Off
Practice requires patience. You won’t see results overnight, and that’s okay. It takes time to build new habits and skills. When you’re leading a team, this is especially important to remember. Your team members won’t master new processes or behaviors instantly, but progress will happen with persistence and consistent effort. As leaders, modeling patience can set the tone for how your team approaches their own growth.
3. Feedback Accelerates Growth
Practice without feedback can only take you so far. Imagine practicing a skill repeatedly but not knowing whether you’re doing it correctly. Feedback provides direction, helping you concentrate on the areas that need improvement. As a leader, you’re not just practicing your own skills, you’re also coaching others. By giving constructive feedback and creating a safe space for growth, you help your team get better faster.
4. The Beginner’s Advantage
When you’re new at something, you have a unique opportunity to approach it with curiosity and fresh eyes. You don’t know what can’t be done, so you’re more likely to ask questions and think creatively. This “beginner’s advantage” can be a powerful tool for growth. Even seasoned leaders can tap into this mindset by approaching challenges as learners, not experts. Sometimes, the best way to grow is to ask more questions and embrace what you don’t know.
5. Practice Makes Better, Not Perfect
The goal of practice isn’t perfection, it’s progress. Every time you practice, you’re building on your foundation, strengthening your skills, and becoming more confident. It’s a process that never truly ends. Whether you’re just starting your leadership journey or you’ve been in the role for decades, the commitment to continuous practice will always pay off. Basics matter. Feedback matters. And most of all, showing up and doing the work matters. That’s how you grow, lead, and succeed.
Tying It All Together
Practice isn’t just for beginners; it’s for everyone. It’s the secret to improvement, not perfection, and in leadership, it helps us become the best versions of ourselves for our teams and our organizations. Practice is the bridge between where you are and where you want to be. It’s not glamorous and not always easy, but it’s always worth it. Remember, every expert (including any of us) was once a beginner who chose to show up again and again. So whether you’re leading a team, learning a new skill, or simply trying to be a little better than yesterday, trust in the power of practice.
How do you make regular practice part of your routine?
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