DIY Leadership: Simple Steps to Becoming a More Effective Leader
Don Frericks’ leadership journey didn’t follow the traditional path. Instead of starting with immediate success, he faced a series of setbacks that would have discouraged most. Through these challenges, Don discovered his true purpose: helping people become extraordinary leaders. He now dedicates himself to teaching others the importance of discipline, adaptability, and a sense of purpose in leadership. In this blog, we will explore more about DIY Leadership and how we can leverage it to become effective leaders with insights and tips from Don.
Are Leaders Made or Born?
Interestingly, leadership isn’t tied to any specific personality type. But what makes someone an extraordinary leader? Is it inherent, or can it be cultivated? Some believe that extraordinary leaders are born with a certain set of traits—charisma, empathy, and the ability to inspire others. It’s a compelling viewpoint, especially when considering how rare these exceptional leaders are. But can leadership truly be limited to just those with this "gift"?
In leadership, the idea that you can become great with enough practice holds a lot of weight. Malcolm Gladwell’s popular concept of "10,000 hours of practice" suggests that anyone can master a skill if they dedicate enough time and effort to it.
Our own experiences play a crucial role in shaping the leaders we become. It's about how we respond to life's challenges. It's fascinating to think about how our experiences and environment—whether positive or negative—help shape our leadership capabilities. The adversity some face might be the very thing that molds them into the inspiring leaders they become.
Learning, Listening, and Leading with Purpose
Great leadership isn't just about making decisions or leading a team—it's about continuously learning, connecting deeply with others, and having a clear sense of purpose. Here are some key practices that distinguish extraordinary leaders from the rest:
1. Great Leaders Are Great Learners
Leaders who are great learners take the time to assess what’s working and what’s not, and they actively seek out ways to improve. These leaders don’t rely on shortcuts or quick fixes; they dive into the process and are always learning from every experience and interaction.
2. Great Leaders Are Exceptional Listeners
Great leaders excel at listening—not just for what is being said, but for the emotions and insights behind those words. They ask thoughtful, curious questions and give their full attention to the conversation.
To be a truly effective listener, it’s important to recognize the different listening styles that can impact communication. Oscar Trimboli, a deep listening expert, identifies 4 Listening Villains that can derail a conversation. Learn more about it here.
3. Great Leaders Lead with Purpose
Extraordinary leaders’ actions are grounded in the desire to make a positive impact, whether it’s in their organization, community, or the world at large. When leaders are purpose-driven, they radiate authenticity and people naturally gravitate towards them.
DIY Leadership: A Simple Approach to Growing as a Leader
Leadership is personal, and for those who are looking to grow in their leadership roles, taking a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach can be one of the most effective ways to start. Let’s dive into Don’s DIY approach to leadership development and explore some practical, yet powerful steps you can take today.
Meet Yourself Where You Are - Here’s the good news: you don’t need to work on everything at once. As a DIY leader, the key is to make time for it—even if it's just a little bit each week. Start by assessing where you are and asking yourself: What’s the one thing I know I need to work on right now? And start there.
Consistency Is Key - The biggest challenge most leaders face is accountability. We often set goals but don’t follow through. This is where journaling can help—it solidifies what you’re learning and keeps those lessons accessible when you need them most.
Small, Steady Steps Lead to Big Changes - Leadership development doesn’t have to be a massive overhaul. It can be as simple as choosing one thing to focus on, practicing it regularly, and reflecting on your progress. Before you know it, you’ll have become the kind of leader you’ve always wanted to be.
Common Failures in Leadership Growth
Leadership growth is a continuous journey, but it’s not always easy. In fact, there are some common pitfalls that leaders often fall into as they strive for personal and professional growth. Here’s a list of common failures in leadership growth and how to overcome them.
1. The Desire to Find Quick Fixes
When you face difficulty, you might be tempted to turn to others for advice, but true leadership growth comes from within. Ask yourself: How can I handle this situation better? What can I do differently to improve my leadership?
2. The Risk of Giving Up
As we try to build our leadership skills, it can feel like just one more responsibility on an already full schedule. But the truth is that growth doesn’t happen overnight. If you stop working on your leadership skills when things get hectic, that’s when failure creeps in. Consistency is key.
3. Lack of Motivation or Desire
Sometimes, leaders fail to grow because they don’t have a clear and meaningful reason for why they want to improve. Think about how your leadership can impact the relationships in your life—whether with your team, family, or friends.
4. Not Addressing Personal Challenges
Reflect on your own unresolved personal challenges. Are there areas in your personal life that might be affecting your ability to lead effectively? If you can pinpoint those, you can begin to address them, creating space for growth in both personal and professional spheres.
5. Failing to Recognize the Impact of Leadership on Relationships
Many leaders forget this critical element and focus solely on the external aspects of leadership. But if you’re neglecting your relationships with your team, your peers, or your family, your leadership will falter. Leadership is about creating trust, fostering collaboration, and being an example for others.
Are you a great leader?
Leadership can be a tough road to navigate, filled with challenges, diverse perspectives, and complex decisions. But what separates a great leader from the rest? How do you know if you’re truly leading with impact and inspiration?
1. Feedback Follows You
A great leader has a trail of positive comments and stories that persist even after they've moved on. Think about the feedback that follows you. Is it positive, respectful, and human? Do people remember how you made them feel and how you connected with them? Great leaders have this impact on others.
2. Connecting With People
The best leaders connect with the individuals they lead. If you are able to create connections with your team, if they know you care about them beyond their role at work, you’re on the right track. Leadership is about showing up as a human being first, and a boss second.
3. Ask for Feedback
It’s easy to assume you’re doing a good job, but without meaningful feedback, you might be missing important insights. Ask your team what behaviors they want you to start, stop, and continue. This helps create a real-time understanding of your leadership impact.
4. Tailor Your Leadership to the Team
Leadership effectiveness is in the eye of the beholder, and it’s crucial to adjust your leadership style to fit the team you’re working with. This means understanding the culture, context, and individual needs of your team members.
5. Find a Balance Between Serving and Self-Care
Great leaders make sure they fill their own cup first—whether that’s through self-care, reflection, or time for personal growth—so they can continue to serve others in a meaningful and effective way.
Leadership Is A Journey
Leadership is an ongoing journey, and by staying open to feedback, adjusting your approach, and genuinely caring for those you lead, you can continue to grow and inspire those around you.
To wrap up, here are the three key takeaways from my conversation with Don:
Confident leaders build productive habits. Their disciplined approach builds a strong foundation, not only for their own growth but also for their team's success.
Confident leaders meet others where they are. They connect with their teams by understanding their needs and adjusting their leadership style accordingly.
Confident leaders are relentless in their purpose. By staying committed to their mission, they create a culture of shared vision and unwavering dedication.
What are your thoughts about DIY Leadership? Let us know in the comments.
You can also tune in to the full podcast episode with Don Frericks here: DIY Leadership Development: Don Frericks' Guide to Growth or check out the episode on YouTube.
