National Self-Improvement Month: 5 Ways to Level Up as a Leader
September is National Self-Improvement Month—a reminder that leadership growth starts from the inside out. Too often, leaders get caught up in strategy, scaling, and solving problems for everyone else. But sustainable leadership begins with self-reflection, intentional habits, and personal development.
When you evolve, your team and your business evolve with you. Here are five powerful ways to recommit to your growth this month:
1. Practice Self-Awareness Like a Daily Ritual
Leadership isn’t just about knowing where you’re going—it’s about knowing how you’re showing up along the way. Your emotional state drives tone, decisions, and outcomes more than you realize.
Try this: Begin your day with a two-minute “emotional scan.” Ask yourself, What’s fueling me today—stress, excitement, clarity, or distraction? Adjust your approach before you walk into the first meeting.
2. Deepen Your Listening Muscles
True leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about asking better questions. When you listen only for speed, you miss what’s unsaid. This month, practice listening with curiosity instead of efficiency.
Pro tip: After conversations, reflect on what you heard versus what was meant. That space is where trust and connection grow.
3. Seek Feedback That Stretches You
It feels good to hear “you’re doing great,” but real growth comes from the hard truths. Ask your team, peers, or mentors: What’s one thing I could do differently to lead with more clarity or empathy?
Remember: discomfort is a growth signal, not a red flag.
4. Revisit Your Leadership Values
Great leaders know what they stand for—and they make it visible. When was the last time you checked in on your leadership values? Are they actively guiding your decisions, or just words on a page?
Challenge: Write your top 3 leadership values on a sticky note. Place it where you can see it daily. Let your team experience those values in action.
5. Replace Control with Trust
If you’re still holding every decision yourself, ask: Is it trust I lack—or clarity? Empowering others is one of the clearest signs of leadership maturity. Build systems, set expectations, then let your team run.
Leadership isn’t about control—it’s about building leaders.
The Bottom Line
Self-improvement isn’t a side hustle. It’s the foundation of authentic leadership. By investing in your own growth, you model resilience, humility, and adaptability for your team.
And if you’re ready to take this further—stay tuned. We’ll soon be announcing our upcoming Leadership Insights Master Classes, designed to help you deepen your self-awareness, sharpen your strategy, and grow as a leader who inspires lasting impact.