Issue 41: Your Development Is Not A "Nice To Have"

"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be."

— Ralph Waldo Emerson, philosopher and poet

Welcome to our 41st issue!

Too many healthcare leaders think of their own development as a "nice to have" rather than a necessity. Understandably, everything is second to patient care. But here's the truth: if you’re not investing in yourself, you're falling behind - and so is your ability to care for your patients and staff. This week, we’re shining a light on a major leadership mistake—neglecting personal development. Leaders who don’t prioritize their growth not only stagnate but miss out on valuable opportunities to lead at their best.

What It Looks Like: The Pitfalls of Ignoring Your Growth

• Putting Your Growth on Hold: When you focus only on day-to-day tasks and patient care, it’s easy to neglect your own learning. But when you stop learning, you stop leading. Industry trends evolve, and suddenly, you’re behind the curve instead of ahead.

• Drifting Without Personal Goals: Without clear goals, you’re likely following someone else’s agenda. Leaders who don’t set personal goals risk becoming stagnant, and it’s often others who notice the gap in leadership first. Ouch!

• Stuck in the Past: Refusing to adapt and holding onto "we've always done it that way" is a guaranteed way to limit your growth and team. Holding onto outdated methods may feel safe, but it keeps you from staying relevant.

How to Fix It: Prioritize Your Growth

• #AlwaysBeLearning: Proactive learning is absolutely essential. Attend workshops, read relevant books, and keep your skills sharp with resources like Coursera, Udemy, or even YouTube! The best leaders are lifelong learners who stay ahead of trends and lead with a fresh, informed perspective.

• Set Personal Development Goals: Align your personal development goals with your long-term career ambitions. Revisit and adjust them regularly to reflect your current priorities and industry shifts. A focused plan keeps you on track and helps you gauge your progress.
  REMEMBER: The only thing more important than knowing where you fit in your organization's strategic plan is knowing where they fit into yours.

When I work with leaders, I always start with the Leadership Index Assessment. It’s a surprisingly quick and powerful tool for professionals who want to up-level their careers. This assessment gives you the clarity you need to know where you stand right now and how to move forward.

You can take the Leadership Index Assessment for free right now, even if you're not working with me. Here's what you'll gain:

• Real Insight: See where you really stand in the three leadership pillars.

• Clear Direction: Align your actions with your goals and the needs of your organization.

• Confidence: With clarity comes confidence. You’ll know exactly how to focus your energy to get the results you want.

Don’t wait until your career stalls. Take 5 minutes today to take control of your growth.

Take the Leadership Index Assessment now.

Real-World Impact: How Leaders Get Stuck

I’ve worked with leaders who stayed stuck because they viewed personal development as optional. Once they made it a priority, they quickly saw improvements in their confidence, leadership skills, and career growth Don’t let the same mistake hold you back—invest in yourself now, and your leadership will follow.

Next Week's Preview:

Next week, we’ll dive into the importance of providing the right resources and support when delegating tasks. Failing to do so can set your team up for failure, but we’ll discuss how to avoid it. Until then, take time to reflect on how you can start treating your development as essential, not a “nice to have.”

Go out there and lead,

Asia