There’s an old joke about a tourist in Milan who gets lost and asks a passerby, “Sir, how do I get to La Scala?” The man replies, “Practice, practice, practice.” This anecdote, though humorous, reveals a great truth: there are no shortcuts to mastery. Becoming a successful leader requires time, effort, and, most importantly, a lot of practice.
The power of deliberate practice
According to studies conducted by psychologist Anders Ericsson, it takes around 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert in any discipline. This applies not only to fields like music or sports but also to the business world. The most effective leaders are those who have spent time honing their skills through constant and deliberate practice.
In the business world, Harvard Business School (HBS) case studies are a clear example of how practice helps students face the realities of the business environment. Graduates of these programs are more successful because they have spent hours analyzing complex problems and proposing solutions. However, the practice does not end upon graduation; the most successful leaders continue to practice and refine their skills throughout their careers, much like elite athlete Cristiano Ronaldo. Even though he is known for scoring spectacular goals, he continues to train with the same intensity to maintain his level of excellence.
Continuous improvement as a mindset
The key to success lies in continuous improvement. No matter how good you are at your job, there is always something that can be improved. Adopting a growth mindset keeps you open to new ways of doing things and constantly looking for ways to be more efficient. Research shows that those who focus on continuous improvement also develop a greater capacity to process information, anticipate the future, and develop deeper analytical thinking.
Feedback: a vital piece for growth
One of the most important components of continuous improvement is feedback. Knowing what you do well and, more importantly, what you can improve is essential to reaching new levels of success. Feedback provides the information needed to make adjustments, learn from your mistakes, and evolve in your role as a leader. Without an effective feedback system, personal and professional growth is limited.
The most effective leaders actively seek feedback. They don’t just rely on their own experience but also draw on the opinions and observations of colleagues, mentors, and teams to improve.
Conclusion
Success in leadership is not the result of a single moment of brilliance, but years of deliberate practice and continuous improvement. If you want to learn more about how to apply these principles to enhance your performance, our leadership development and executive coaching programs are designed to help you achieve mastery in your career.
References
- Ericsson, A. (1993). The Role of Deliberate Practice in the Acquisition of Expert Performance. Psychological Review.
- Goleman, D. (1995). Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Bantam Books.
