Leadership is not just a position; it’s a skill that requires continuous development. Many people assume leadership skills are innate, but research shows they can be learned and honed over time. The question is, what is the best way to develop these skills? The answer is simple – find a cycle of learning that works for you.
The LDSA (Learn Do Study Act) cycle is effective. Similar to the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle used in quality improvement, the LDSA cycle is a continuous process of learning and education that can help individuals develop their leadership skills.
The LDSA cycle involves four stages:
- Learn: This involves gaining knowledge and understanding of leadership theories and principles. This can be achieved through formal education, reading books, attending seminars, and listening to podcasts or TED talks. It is essential to have a strong foundation of leadership knowledge before moving to the next stage.
- Do: The second stage involves putting the knowledge gained in the first stage into action. This can be achieved through leading a project, team, or department. It is crucial to apply the principles learned in the first stage and to seek feedback from team members to improve your leadership skills.
- Study: The third stage involves reflecting on the experience gained in the second stage. This includes identifying strengths and weaknesses, analyzing what worked well and what didn’t, and identifying areas for improvement. It is essential, to be honest with yourself and to seek feedback from others to improve your leadership skills.
- Act: The final stage involves taking action based on the insights gained in the third stage. This can include developing an improvement plan, seeking mentorship, or continuing education. It is crucial to be proactive and to implement the changes necessary to improve your leadership skills continually.
I started my leadership development journey while obtaining my bachelor’s degree. Although I had some leadership experience, I needed to put more thought into it. As I completed courses, the leadership theories were embedded in my mind, but the theories alone did not make me a leader. I had to lead to become a leader.
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