Is there ever a right time to sharpen leadership skills? Some contend that we get the very best training up front before we jump into a leadership post. Others would argue that we develop our talent if we run into a problem. Regardless of how we receive the input, we should receive the support as it comes.

Leadership training or development might be spelled out, just come to us in a flash, or be delivered by postal pigeon. Nonetheless, helpful insight comes to us around almost every corner. That is, if we take the time to really notice. How do we see what’s right in front of us?

Here are a few ways we can open our eyes to that clues:

• Reflect about past experiences and awareness to glean
• Pay attention to real-time challenges and  spin them into learning opportunities
• Be aware of situations you resist in order to receive a better understanding
• Ponder how every situation is a lesson to master or repeat if you don’t get the message the first time
• Respond to events around even if you think the message is for someone else

While we don’t have to look under rocks to develop our leadership skills, we can act swiftly after every turn if we just tap into the boundless reservoir of leadership development opportunities right now!  

-Dawn McCoy, author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success