“ Find leaders that inspire you , and observe , learn and identify the character qualities they possess that motivate you to become a better leader .”
Step by Step Here are a set of helpful steps and tools I have taken throughout my career to grow and develop my team ’ s ( and my own ) leadership abilities and help them establish a clear path forward in their careers . l Do your research . Find leaders that inspire you , and observe , learn and identify the character qualities they possess that motivate you to become a better leader . Read leadership development books , listen to podcasts or TED talks that specifically talk about leadership growth , professional development and career pathing . Use that research and those practices to identify what you are looking for and how you want to grow and develop your own team . l Assess your current strengths and developmental needs . Take some time to see where you are and where you want to be in your career path , and help your team do the same . We all have room for growth and development . I like to do this at least one a month or once a quarter depending on what I am working on at that time . Talk to your team , family or friends and be open to constructive feedback to help you grow as an individual . l Take inventory . When we have balance in our lives it can seem like the stars align and everything just falls into place . It ’ s important to take some time to find out how you are doing in areas of your life that are important to you , whether those are mental , emotional , physical or spiritual . Identify on a ten-point scale how you are doing
in these areas and how you want to improve or grow in each one . The practice will help you become more present for those areas you need to focus on most , professionally or personally . This is also a great activity to use with your team to find out how you can provide additional support and keep them actively engaged as they grow and develop in their own careers . l Be Innovative . If what you ’ re doing isn ’ t working , take action , and find a different way to fix help fix the problem . For example , if finding qualified leaders is a challenge , train yourself to recognize potential in your own team . Look at your team now and ask yourself ,“ Do I have anyone who has the potential to be in this position ?” Observe , listen and get to know your team members individually , and find that golden nugget on your team who want to grow their career . Help them see what you see in them that will help them become a successful leader and grow with the organization or industry . l Be a Rhino . This one may seem silly , but it works ! One of my favorite books is Rhinoceros Success , by Scott Alexander . It ’ s a simple ( and funny ) read , but it provides you with a different outlook how to become successful in anything you do by charging full speed toward every opportunity like a Rhino . Using this concept when developing your team can help you see things from a different perspective and identify opportunities to grow and develop your team from within .
Professional and leadership development takes a lot of time and a lot of effort , but , then again , so does filling positions , especially when it comes to leadership roles . Find a career pathing framework that works for you and supports your vision and goals in developing a stronger , more successful team . •
TRACY HARPER is the director of spa and fitness at the Spa at Sun Valley in Sun Valley , Idaho . Through her nearly two decades of experience in the luxury spa , wellness and resort industries , she has become an expert in business development , including leadership and mentor programs , training & coaching programs , financial growth and retail management , spa & wellness menu development , membership programs , pre-opening and renovation projects .
44 PULSE • APRIL 2022