You only get back what you put in

Growing up my parents would often say to me “You only get back what you put in”.  They helped me to learn that if I really wanted to achieve something, it wouldn’t just happen. I had to be prepared to find someone who could help and be willing to put in the time, effort and practice required to get it. Sure there were obstacles and factors that prevented me from achieving some of my goals, but my thinking became, if I don’t take ownership and responsibility for what I can control, and work hard at doing it to the best of my ability, then I will never get the results I am looking for.

Most of us would accept that there is a strong correlation between time and effort invested and the achievement of our goals, but what interests me is how inconsistent we can be in applying it. When it comes to task-focused goals such as learning to play the guitar, or becoming a better golfer, we don’t even give it a second thought. We find someone who can help us and then we put in the time, effort and practice required to get the results. However, when it comes to more aspirational goals, such as enjoying life more, or becoming a better leader, the connection seems less obvious and as a result we often find that we have made little progress 12 months later. On their own, you wouldn’t expect that reading a book or working with a coach once every couple of years would make you a better golfer. It might produce some benefit, but the real improvement would come from getting the regular coaching and support you need and putting in the time, effort and a lot of practice.

So, why would improving leadership capability be any different?  You might already be a successful manager, have a talented team, and work for a great organisation. In golf terms, you’ve got a strong game, you play with some great people and you love being a member of your club.

Now let me ask you as a leader… “What do you want to improve?” 

And if you only get back what you put in… “How much time, effort and practice are you investing to improve the leadership capability of you and your team?

Improvement won’t happen on its own. Take ownership of your leadership journey and let’s make it happen.