Self Development in Leadership: 10 Habits to Become a Better Leader

Great leaders are not born — they’re developed. Self development in leadership is a continuous process of growth, learning, and reflection that transforms ordinary individuals into influential leaders. Whether you’re leading a small team or a global organization, personal growth is the foundation for inspiring and guiding others effectively.

What Is Self Development in Leadership?

Self development in leadership refers to the deliberate effort leaders make to improve their skills, character, mindset, and emotional intelligence. It involves understanding one’s strengths and weaknesses, seeking feedback, and constantly striving to become a better version of oneself.

According to MindTools, self-awareness and lifelong learning are core components of effective leadership development. Leaders who invest in personal growth tend to show higher levels of confidence, empathy, and adaptability.

Why Self Development Is Crucial for Leaders

Leadership isn’t just about managing people — it’s about setting a vision, influencing behavior, and creating environments where others thrive. Without self awareness and growth, leaders can fall into patterns of burnout, poor communication, and low team morale.

• Improves decision-making and problem-solving
• Builds confidence and emotional resilience
• Enhances team trust and collaboration
• Encourages adaptability in times of change

As Harvard Business Review notes, leaders who focus on personal development are more effective at inspiring commitment and fostering innovation within their teams.

10 Proven Strategies for Self Development in Leadership

1. Develop Self-Awareness

Great leadership starts with understanding yourself. Reflect on your values, triggers, and behaviors. Use tools like the VIA Character Strengths Assessment to identify what makes you unique as a leader. Journaling and mindfulness are also excellent ways to deepen self-awareness.

2. Embrace Lifelong Learning

Continuous education is key to leadership growth. Read leadership books, listen to podcasts, or take online courses from platforms like Coursera and edX. Each new skill you acquire broadens your ability to lead with insight and agility.

3. Strengthen Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Emotional intelligence — the ability to manage your emotions and empathize with others — is one of the strongest predictors of leadership success. Practice active listening, compassion, and patience in every interaction. Learn more about emotional intelligence at Verywell Mind.

4. Seek Constructive Feedback

Feedback fuels growth. Encourage your peers, mentors, and team members to share honest insights about your performance. Create a culture where open dialogue is valued — this will not only improve you but also strengthen your team’s trust.

5. Build Confidence Through Experience

Confidence is developed by taking consistent action, even when it’s uncomfortable. Volunteer to lead new initiatives, speak in meetings, or mentor colleagues. Each experience reinforces your leadership capacity. You can read more on BetterUp’s leadership confidence guide.

6. Practice Effective Communication

Strong leaders communicate with clarity and empathy. Focus on being present during conversations, practicing active listening, and expressing ideas clearly. Explore MindTools’ guide to communication skills for techniques to enhance your speaking and listening abilities.

7. Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Leaders with a growth mindset see challenges as opportunities to learn. Instead of fearing mistakes, they analyze and improve. This mindset — popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck — fosters resilience and long-term success.

8. Manage Stress and Maintain Balance

Leadership often involves high pressure. To stay effective, prioritize your mental and physical well-being. Engage in meditation, exercise, or creative hobbies. The American Psychological Association provides great strategies for stress management.

9. Build Mentoring Relationships

Mentorship accelerates leadership growth. Seek out mentors who challenge your thinking and guide your progress. Likewise, mentor others to strengthen your leadership influence and empathy. Learn how mentoring builds leaders at Forbes.

10. Lead by Example

The most powerful form of leadership is influence through action. Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and compassion. Your team learns more from your behavior than your words. As Inc.com highlights, authentic leadership inspires loyalty and respect.

How to Create a Personal Leadership Development Plan

To ensure continuous growth, craft a Leadership Development Plan (LDP) that outlines your goals, skills to improve, and measurable milestones. Here’s how:

1. Assess your current skills: Identify strengths and weaknesses.
2. Define your leadership goals: Set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals.
3. Choose learning methods: Books, workshops, mentoring, or online training.
4. Track progress: Reflect monthly on your growth and challenges.

Templates for leadership plans are available at MindTools and Center for Creative Leadership.

Examples of Self Development Goals for Leaders

• Improve public speaking and presentation skills
• Increase empathy through active listening
• Strengthen conflict resolution techniques
• Enhance decision-making under pressure
• Develop strategic thinking for long-term success

Setting these goals helps align your personal growth with your professional mission. Visit LinkedIn Learning for leadership-related online courses tailored to these objectives.

Overcoming Common Leadership Development Challenges

Even the best leaders face setbacks. Common challenges include time constraints, self-doubt, and resistance to feedback. Overcome these by:

• Scheduling dedicated self-reflection time weekly
• Reframing feedback as an opportunity, not criticism
• Practicing patience — leadership growth takes time

As McKinsey points out, sustainable leadership success depends on consistent habits and humility.

Final Thoughts on Self Development in Leadership

True leadership starts from within. By committing to self development in leadership, you not only enhance your personal growth but also elevate everyone you lead. Stay curious, stay humble, and never stop learning — that’s how you become the kind of leader others want to follow.