Evergreen Leaders Grow Themselves First

It’s easy to fall into the trap of pouring into others while neglecting yourself. You attend meetings, mentor team members, and drive projects forward—but when was the last time you invested in your own growth?

Evergreen Leaders know that personal growth is the foundation of lasting influence.

The Danger of “Busy Leadership”

When leaders neglect themselves, the symptoms show:

• They lead from depletion, not overflow.
• They make reactive rather than thoughtful decisions.
• Their teams stop growing, because growth has no model.

Without continual growth, leadership becomes managing tasks instead of inspiring people.

Evergreen Leaders Choose Growth Daily

They understand that leadership requires fuel. Their growth habits include:

1. Reflection. Taking time to ask, “What worked? What needs to change?”
2. Learning. Reading, listening, and seeking new perspectives.
3. Mentorship. Inviting others to challenge blind spots and sharpen skills.

By modeling growth, they create a culture where development is not optional—it’s expected.

A Real-World Example

One executive I worked with believed leadership meant always “having the answers.” Over time, her team relied on her for everything, but growth had stalled. When she shifted to learning—reading new material, joining a leadership mastermind, and sharing insights with her team—something changed.

Her vulnerability inspired her team. They began reading with her, sharing takeaways, and developing their own leadership. The culture transformed—not because of strategy, but because the leader grew first.

Three Steps to Grow Yourself First

1. Choose a Growth Practice. Pick one resource (book, course, or mentor) and spend 20 minutes daily.
2. Schedule Reflection. Block 15 minutes each week to write: “What did I learn this week, and how will I apply it?”
3. Share Your Learning. Tell your team what you’re working on. Let them see your humility and hunger.

Reflection

• If my team mirrored my growth habits, would they be growing or stuck?
• Where have I stopped stretching myself?

Final Thought

You cannot lead others further than you’ve gone yourself. Evergreen Leaders understand that leadership growth begins on the inside.

That’s why iGROW Leadership Program exists—to give you a structured path to grow yourself, so you can grow others with confidence. To learn more: iGROW Leadership Program