When I began my formal career in leadership development I wasn’t always a quick study. I was thorough with my studies. I asked lots of questions and listened to many perspectives. I learned that no matter what I thought I knew, or how I felt about others and questioned when I could apply my knowledge, I was continually reminded that there is always room for improvement and other ways of thinking about everything. I remember one of my mentors commenting that of all the qualities I possess, two of my greatest is being a life learner and applying what I learned immediately. I wasn’t one to wait for the “right” moment. I took what I had and turned it into a practice that allowed me to progress quickly. Skating was one of my greatest teachers of those two qualities.

In the sport of figure skating, literally, every second counts. I learned that as a choreographer, technical coach, judge, collaborative partner both as a pair skater and coach, performer, and leader of skaters’ careers as an eligible, competitive athlete. I’ve also drawn on my keen sensibility to advise athletes on where they might go beyond the ice rink. In one case a skater was deciding between pursuing an MBA over a law degree. Every aspect of one’s being in the sport of figure skating is honed and perfected to the greatest degree possible. Always with room for improvement presenting itself in order to continue moving forward. 

Another mentor acknowledged me for being a relentless optimist. I wasn’t sure this was a compliment. Afterall, the word relentless can lead to unpleasantness and cruelty. My awareness of this has pulled me back from the brink of going overboard. Yet, I’d rather be accused of this as an optimist than any number of alternative descriptors of me and my work. No matter what I was up against, even today; I always find a way to do better, work smarter, focus more, and commit myself to let go of excuses and make it happen. 

Your personal Back to School time is the opportunity to hone skills that will make you an effective leader:

• Communication Style – Learn your style of communication and continue to build on it. Adjust it. Hone it and develop it in order to benefit from it.
• Interactions – Every interaction is an opportunity to improve your style and effectiveness in communicating well enough to influence outcomes.
• Feedback – Whether giving it or receiving it, do so humbly and with great appreciation. Even that which challenges you. Then be sure to learn from it.
• Coaching – Support others as though your career depends upon it. You want to prepare yourself for it to come back to roost to your benefit. And it will!
• Messaging – Care about what you say, how you say it, when you say it, and to whom you say it. Mike Lipkin’s magical words are powerful when he shares, “Who you are being when you are saying what you are saying. Says more about what you are saying than what you are saying.”
• Strategizing – In the words of Marshall Goldsmith, What Got You Here Won’t Get You There. Remain on the lookout for what will move you ahead and bask in where you are now so you are grounded for your next leap of faith.

Learn about Resilience, Success, and Tips for Growth.