Every year, U.S. businesses invest nearly $170 billion in leadership development. From promo industry events like the PPAI Women’s Leadership Conference to one-on-one experiences like working with a coach or mentor, there are all kinds of ways to boost your leadership skills.

Lolly Daskal, an author, speaker and consultant, says one of the most effective ways for leaders to learn and grow is to look to those who have come before them. Think about the people you’ve encountered throughout your career. Do any bosses or colleagues stand out to you in good – or bad – ways?

According to Daskal, you can use what you learned from those people to become a better leader yourself. We explain her thoughts on how you can lead more successfully in this issue of PromoPro Daily.

1. Look to those you admire. Who has had a big impact on your career and life? You become the people you admire, Daskal says, so emulate those who have had a positive impact on you. Think about how you can apply lessons learned from these people to develop your own leadership style.

2. Learn by imitating. When you think about successful people in your life, which behaviors or strategies could you model? Let these people be a jumping-off point as you develop your own approach to leadership.

3. Ask for feedback. If you want to know how others feel about working with you, ask them. Find out their perspective on what you do well and how you can improve. The best leaders actively seek feedback and engage in self-reflection, Daskal says.

4. Work with a mentor or coach. A coach can help you identify your goals, challenge your assumptions and provide a sounding board, Daskal says, while a mentor can provide valuable advice and feedback. Whether you work with one or both, they can help you become a better leader.

5. Always be learning. Continual learning is the hallmark of excellent leaders. Stay current on the promo industry by reading publications like PPAI Magazine and PPAI Newslink. You could also enhance your knowledge and expand your skills through formal education or networking with other leaders, Daskal says.

6. Remember the negative role models. Maybe you crossed paths with someone who wasn’t necessarily a great leader. When you know what not to do, Daskal says, you can avoid common pitfalls and become a more effective leader.

You don’t need a leadership title to be a great leader – you simply need to model the qualities that you admire most. Whether you work with a business coach, request feedback from your peers or pursue continuing education in the promo industry, there are many ways you can grow your effectiveness as a leader.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers

Source: Lolly Daskal is the founder of Lead From Within, a global leadership and consulting firm. She’s also an author, consultant and speaker.