5. Find Models
We cannot easily do what we have never seen done. Find models; these can be people you know well, like mentors, friends, coaches. They can be people you watch through studying their stories and seeing how they behave. It is this watching and initating that takes this a step further than #1 (Don’t Go it Alone). It’s about seeing it done before you can do it yourself.
6. Deal with Impediments
There are times when personal issues like hurt, pain or weakness gets in the way of our ability to practice the 9 Things. If you a have clinical issue like depression or anxiety, get help resolving fears and hurts, you will find more freedom to practice and execute the 9 Things. See a good psychologist or counselor; join a group or a program.
7. Add Structure
Sometimes outside structure is necessary to accomplish things you lack the discipline to accomplish alone. That’s why people attend programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or Weight Watchers. If you had the discipline to do it on your own, you can’t gain it by gritting your teeth and making one more try. Add structure from the outside.
8. Practice, Practice, Practice, and Fail
Growth is a Process. Give up your demand to have it all together now. Failure is part of the Process. And no one got there without failing. A successful leader is one who steps out and fails, regroups, learns from the mistake, and tries again.
Excerpts from 9 Things A Leader Must Do – Breaking Through to the Next Level by Dr. Henry Cloud