Learning how to develop leadership skills starts with a simple decision: commit to becoming a better version of yourself through small, consistent actions.

Think about a leader you admire. It could be a close family member or a prominent leader of a global organization. Why do you admire them? Is it their charisma, clarity, determination, grit, or vision for the future?

Whatever qualities stand out, remember that daily actions play a significant role in shaping the leaders we admire today. Theory matters in the learning process, but we grow when we put our knowledge into practice. Every action gives us an opportunity to build new habits and develop a stronger sense of identity.

Do you want to become a better leader? Let’s explore how you can begin.

1. Embrace a Growth Mindset

If you commit to personal growth, you can develop your leadership skills over time. The growth mindset has become a popular concept in leadership and personal development. In simple terms, it means believing that your abilities and intelligence can improve through effort, learning, and practice.

The first step toward becoming a better leader is to develop a genuine desire to grow.

People with a growth mindset take responsibility for their progress. They look for opportunities to learn and understand that their current abilities do not define their future potential.

Here are three beliefs that can help you build this mindset:

• Abilities develop through effort and practice.
• Challenges create opportunities to grow.
• Failure provides valuable information rather than defining your worth.

The last principle deserves special attention. Successful growth requires you to treat setbacks as learning opportunities rather than as permanent judgments about your potential.

Of course, changing your perspective takes practice. Start with small, manageable goals that help you build confidence and recognize your progress.

2. Choose One Leadership Skill to Develop

The next step involves identifying the leadership skill you want to improve.

Ask yourself: What is one skill that, if I developed it well, could make a significant difference in my life?

In his bestselling book The One Thing, Gary Keller explains that focusing on one priority at a time can help people achieve their goals more effectively. He writes, “Success is built sequentially. It’s one thing at a time.”

This principle can help you approach personal development with greater clarity. Instead of trying to improve everything at once, choose one leadership skill and give it your attention.

You might want to improve your communication, become more confident when speaking in public, or learn to make better decisions. Whatever you choose, focus on one area of growth and give yourself time to practice it consistently.

Choosing one goal can feel difficult when you have many ambitions. However, a clear priority helps you direct your energy toward meaningful progress.

Brian Tracy shares a similar principle in Eat That Frog! He encourages readers to review their goals daily and begin each morning with the most important task that supports their primary goal.

You can apply this advice by identifying one action each day that helps you strengthen your chosen leadership skill.

3. Set Milestones and Track Your Progress

Once you identify the skill you want to develop, establish milestones that help you measure your progress.

The SMART goal framework offers a practical way to turn an ambition into an actionable plan. SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

For example, if you want to improve your public speaking, you could practice a five-minute presentation every week for one month. You could also ask someone you trust to provide feedback after each presentation.

These milestones give you a clear direction and help you recognize improvement over time.

Small actions become powerful when you repeat them with purpose and evaluate what you learn. Review your progress regularly, celebrate meaningful achievements, and adjust your approach when necessary.

You do not need to master a skill overnight. Focus on the next step and let consistent effort shape your development.

4. Develop Leadership Skills Through Real Experiences

Personal growth becomes more meaningful when you apply what you learn in real situations.

At Cumorah Academy, young adults explore leadership through interactive classes, activities, and opportunities to learn from visiting mentors with experience. Students connect leadership principles with personal values, purpose, faith, and practical experiences.

Our visiting mentors, Tom and Heide Owen, helped students explore leadership styles and understand their individual strengths. Tom built a career in the Air Force, while Heide worked at a school for a time. They have been married for 53 years and have five children and 18 grandchildren.

Their lessons encouraged students to reflect on their leadership approaches and discover new things about themselves.

Hyrum Pretel Bustios, from Peru, shared that an activity on four leadership styles helped him realize he uses all four, though one stands out more than the others.

Fernando Mendez Garcia, from Venezuela, appreciated how the lessons helped him improve and understand himself. He also enjoyed the interactive nature of the classes.

Ariana Lopez Canales, from Costa Rica, explained that Cumorah introduced her to skills, values, and purposes she had not encountered elsewhere. She also discovered her creativity through the activities.

These experiences show how practical learning can help young adults recognize their strengths and identify opportunities for growth.

Meet Our Visiting Mentors: Tom and Heidi Owen

Tom and Heidi Owen brought their experiences and perspectives to Cumorah Academy, helping students explore leadership and personal development. Their lessons gave students opportunities to reflect on their leadership styles, recognize their strengths, and connect their learning with their personal goals.

Are You Ready to Grow as a Leader?

You can start developing leadership skills today, one decision and one action at a time. Embrace a growth mindset, choose a skill to improve, set meaningful milestones, and seek experiences that challenge you to grow.

At Cumorah Academy, you can learn alongside young adults from different countries, explore your potential, and strengthen your leadership through practical experiences and shared values.

If you are ready to grow, discover your purpose, and prepare for your future, join Cumorah Academy and take the next step in your leadership journey.