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Wisdom is one of the primary characteristics of an outstanding leader - leaders have an insatiable curiosity for discovering and learning new things. Leadership and learning go together. If you have determined that your learning is behind the curve, then recommit yourself to seeking it out at every opportunity, in every conversation, around every corner. Do you have a process for continual self-improvement? Get hooked on the improvement habit. Here are some tips:

· Spend your time with optimistic, growing people.

· Become a reader. If you are not one already, this is an important source of learning and reflection. Many great books are available to inspire, guide, and instruct your improvement effort.

· Become a teacher. Give internal and external presentations on your area of expertise. Volunteer to present at the next professional conference you were just going to attend.

· Become a writer. Do you write in a journal for yourself? You can write articles for associations you belong to, your local paper, or internal newsletter.

· Become a speaker. I find that some of my best insights come from trying to articulate (or write) my thoughts.

· Become a listener. You can get hundreds of hours a year of education, inspiration, information, and instruction by listening. Try listening to audiotapes in your car.

· Become a student. Attend workshops, seminars, and training sessions. Take college courses.

· Keep your commitments. Call back when you promised (or before). Meet your deadlines. Show up on time. Under-promise and over-deliver.

· Put quotes, goals, reminders, and vision statements where you will see them throughout your day. Keep changing them and moving them around so you don’t start to look past them.

· Develop a personal improvement plan. Schedule time for personal and professional improvement as if your career depended on it. It does!

Finally, never give up. Leaders are people who show themselves and others that they set high goals and regardless of the obstacles will always work to achieve them. Here is an example of just such a person:

In 1831- He failed in business

In 1832- He was defeated for the Legislature

In 1833- He failed in a second business venture

In 1834- He was elected to the State Legislature

In 1840- He was defeated for elector

In 1838- He was defeated for Speaker of the Legislature

In 1844- He was defeated for a Congressional seat

In 1846- He was elected to Congress

In 1848-He was defeated for his Congressional Seat

In 1855- He was defeated in a run for Senate

In 1856- He ran for Vice President but did not win

In 1858- He ran again for the Senate and again lost

In 1860- Abraham Lincoln was elected President of the United States

Although Lincoln was a unique person , his life proves that setting ambitious goals and constantly striving for success are the attributes of good leaders.

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