Aaron Douglas is one of the newest and most energetic innovative visionaries taking on the leadership and coaching world dynamically. He is well known for being the founder of The LeRock Academy, a soon-to-be charter school with global franchise aspirations focusing on interpersonal skill training and communication techniques.
In today’s fast-paced and uncertain world, strong leadership is more essential than ever. Whether you are leading a team, a project, or simply trying to guide yourself through personal challenges, being a good leader requires constant growth. The good news is that leadership is not an innate skill. It is something anyone can develop with intentional practice.
Here is how you can practically become a better leader and start making a positive impact:
1. Lead by example
One of the most powerful leadership principles is setting the standard for others to follow. Your actions should align with the values you promote. If you want your team to be punctual, be the first one to show up. If you value transparency, be open and honest in your communication.
Practical tip: Identify one behavior you expect from others (e.g., respect or accountability) and assess whether you demonstrate that consistently. Make a conscious effort to embody that value daily.
2. Develop emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a key trait that separates good leaders from great ones. Understanding your emotions and how they affect your decision-making, as well as being attuned to the emotions of others, fosters trust and builds strong relationships.
Practical tip: The next time you’re in a meeting or discussion, practice active listening. Pay attention not just to what is being said but to the emotions behind the words. Ask clarifying questions to show empathy and better understand the speaker’s perspective.
3. Be adaptable and open to change
In today’s volatile environment, a rigid leadership style will quickly become obsolete. Good leaders embrace change, learn from challenges, and are always willing to pivot when needed.
Practical tip: Try a weekly self-assessment where you reflect on a recent challenge. Ask yourself: How did I react to the unexpected? What could I have done differently to adapt more quickly or effectively?
4. Foster collaboration and inclusivity
Leaders who foster a sense of collaboration make everyone feel valued and heard. People are more motivated and creative when they feel their voices matter. Inclusivity also means considering diverse perspectives and encouraging open dialogue.
Practical tip: In your next meeting, make it a point to invite input from quieter team members. Create a safe space where all ideas are welcome, even if they challenge the status quo.
5. Provide constructive feedback (and be open to receiving it)
Leaders who help their teams grow give regular, constructive feedback. However, being a great leader also means being open to receiving feedback about your own performance. Feedback loops help everyone improve.
Practical tip: The next time you give feedback, follow this structure: (1) Highlight what the person is doing well, (2) Address areas for improvement with specific examples, and (3) Offer support in overcoming challenges. Additionally, ask for feedback on your own leadership in one-on-one meetings.
6. Leader in cultivating resilience
Resilience is the ability to recover quickly from setbacks. All leaders face challenges, but great leaders remain composed, learn from mistakes, and move forward with renewed energy.
Practical tip: When facing a setback, practice reframing the situation. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, ask, “What can I learn from this?” Write down your lessons learned and your next steps to turn the obstacle into an opportunity.
7. Communicate clearly and often
Open and clear communication is the foundation of effective leadership. Your team needs to know what you expect from them, and they need updates on important decisions and changes. A lack of communication breeds confusion and mistrust.
Practical tip: Set a regular communication cadence, whether it’s weekly check-ins, team meetings, or emails. Make it a habit to clarify goals, share important updates, and give transparent answers to any questions or concerns.
8. Encourage autonomy and accountability
Micromanaging stifles creativity and prevents your team from reaching its full potential. Encourage autonomy by empowering your team to make decisions and take ownership of their work. At the same time, foster a culture of accountability.
Practical tip: Start delegating more. Give team members ownership over specific projects or tasks, and trust them to deliver. Set clear expectations and deadlines, but allow them the freedom to approach the work in their own way.
9. Invest in personal development
Great leaders never stop learning. Whether it’s reading leadership books, attending workshops, or seeking mentorship, investing in your personal development strengthens your leadership capabilities.
Practical tip: Dedicate at least 30 minutes a day to learning something new related to leadership or your industry. This could be through reading, online courses, or even podcasts. Set growth goals for yourself, such as improving your public speaking or learning a new management technique.
10. Stay humble and serve others
True leadership is about serving others, not just directing them. When you put the needs of your team first, you build loyalty and trust. Humility allows you to acknowledge your limitations and seek input from others without ego getting in the way.
Practical tip: Adopt a “servant leader” mindset by asking your team, “How can I help you succeed?” Follow through on their requests and focus on removing barriers that prevent them from doing their best work.
Conclusion
Being a better leader is not about having all the answers or being perfect—it is about continuous improvement and a genuine desire to help others succeed. By practicing these leadership principles, you will create a more motivated, resilient, and high-performing team. Start small, be consistent, and watch how your leadership evolves over time. The best leaders do not just lead—they inspire.
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Aaron Douglas, Public Speaker, Leadership Development, Community Engagement
Aaron Douglas is a leader in the interpersonal skill training, personal development, and empathetic communication arena. A humbling beginning left him speechless having to practice his speeches to enhance his communication abilities and pass his teachings to others. Although challenges arose like they often do, Aaron created mental strategies using word pattern recognition to be able to sell and negotiate business offerings in a plethora of industries some would say it is a majestic art of his communication style which leaves many wondering, how can I lead the exact same way you do. He has since dedicated his life to helping others unleash and unlock their ultimate potential.
