Lessons for your development as a leader surround yourself all the time. They are available in every conversation, meeting, or movie, but only if you're looking.

Most people are blinded to the insight around them because they aren't in growth mode but in default mode. They go about their day, trying to get through or by another day, only to participate in Groundhog Day again tomorrow.

Most people are blinded to the insight around them because they aren't in growth mode but in default mode.

An executive at a medium-sized company might be wrestling with a critical business decision, trying to decide between A and B. In taking a break, he turns on the TV and sees PGA Tour superstar Rory Mcllroy in a predicament in the trees. The microphone from the TV picks up the audio of a conversation between Rory and his caddy. "It looks like we have two options, Rory. We can punch it out, which is the safest option, or hook it around the tree." Rory then turned to his caddy, "I agree, but let's avoid either or as much as possible; what if we added a third option and went over the tree?" "I didn't see that, but I like that option the most."

At that moment, if the executive was looking for lessons in everything he consumed, he would have just heard a potential insight into his critical business decision: "Avoid either or as much as possible." What he needed was a third option.

Default Mode vs. Growth Mode

Unfortunately, most people go to work every day wishing they weren't going. They do their job because they have to, not because they want to. They picked a career because it paid the bills, not because it aligned with their talents, strengths, or passions. The reality of providing financially is essential, so there is no knocking anyone for doing a job they don't love, but doing that job in Default Mode vs. Growth Mode is the problem.

In one of Martin Luther King Jr.'s most inspiring speeches, he said,

If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.

The quote underscores King's vision that everyone should raise their commitment to excellence by constantly looking for ways to grow and improve. Being in growth mode or default mode is a mentality, and you get to choose which one you are in.

Here are some signs that someone is in default mode:

• Last in and first out of the office

• Wastes time and is easily distracted

• Hasn't read a book this year (46% finished reading zero books last year and only 5% read just one)

• Rarely adds insight/value in collaborative meetings

• Speaks primarily in opinion vs. facts (because they don't know them)

There is a good chance none of these default mindset signs sound like you, but I guarantee they are present in people you work for or with.

What is Personal Development?

Personal development isn't a new concept. It has been studied for thousands of years, but the Greek Philosopher Aristotle is considered the father of professional development. It's best defined as activities that develop a person's capabilities and potential.

Personal development means making a better version of yourself.

Simplified, personal development means making a better version of yourself. Making your strengths stronger and moving your weaknesses to neutral. It's about constantly growing and expanding your mental and technical skills as a person and professional.

Life Cycle of Personal Development

Focus On Application

An integral part of a leader's personal development following awareness and exploration is application. In Building the Best, I highlighted that power is not in knowledge but in applying knowledge. Think of it like this.

• Knowledge is information.

• Understanding is comprehension

• Wisdom is application.

It's one thing to know, and it's another thing to apply. Wisdom and application are supreme as there is so much one could understand but never apply. A heart surgeon who smokes cigarettes, a diabetic who eats sugar, or a music student who can read music but cannot play an instrument. All are prime examples of comprehending but not applying.

It's one thing to know. It's another thing to apply.

The best leaders understand that the quality of their leadership relies on evolving how they act. However, the actions don't have to be big; they should be small. During a coaching call, I reminded a high-performing leader who had lost her focus of a critical leadership principle:

Real progress requires short-term action with long-term thinking.

For example, instead of reading this column and moving on to the next one, pick one thing you will work to apply. Instead of mowing through books or podcasts, always look for one thing to practice and apply. Personal development is not about quantity; it's about quality.

Closing

Being in growth mode is an intoxicating place to be in life. You will notice things other people don't see, and it will fast-track your development. If you're in that space, be grateful and focus on application and calibration. If you aren't in that place, find one topic or skill you are interested in and pick up or listen to a book. Take notes, look for insights, and see if the light bulb gets turned on. If it doesn't, try again because, eventually, it will.