Many people think that management and leadership automatically go together. But just because he’s a manager doesn’t mean he’s a leader. Many management techniques are being thrown out the window in favor of leadership skills. But making the transition from manager to leader can be difficult for some. The best way to become an effective leader is to create a personal leadership development plan.

The first thing you need to do in creating a personal leadership development plan is to understand the difference between management and leadership. While some don’t see the difference, others can’t explain it. Simply put, management is something you do. it’s a career. Leadership is having strength and courage in your convictions, and the ability to see those convictions manifest into reality.

So what are your beliefs? You may think you know what you believe in, but it’s important to step back and make a list of your beliefs and values. There are many assessments available that can help you do this. This important step in creating a personal leadership development plan will likely teach you things about yourself that you yourself didn’t know to be true. It may seem like a waste of time, but until you know what your convictions are, you won’t be able to manifest them into reality through effective leadership.

Once you have a clear understanding of your beliefs, you need to apply them to your organization. Don’t look at numbers and people. Look at the overall purpose and mission of the company. Then narrow your vision down to your team and ultimately yourself. If you don’t see your values ​​and beliefs reflected in your actions, the actions of your team, and the actions of the company, then your job is cut out for you.

When creating your personal leadership development plan, first describe your beliefs, ethics, and values. Then outline the ways those beliefs, ethics, and values ​​are manifested in your actions within the organization. Are there ways you need to improve? What support does your team need to obtain the personal and organizational success that you have not been able to provide them? After all, your success is your success. Write down all your thoughts and ideas to manifest your convictions in the reality of your team and organization. This is the skeleton of your personal leadership development plan.

Then do your homework. Talk to your employees, team members, customers, and vendors to learn what else you can do or be that will help you manifest your beliefs and your personal leadership development plan. Sit back and listen to the ideas and feelings of others. This is the only way you can learn from other perspectives what it takes for organizational or team success. Until you are aware of the changes that need to be made, you will not be able to make any changes for the greater good of the organization and its employees.

Remember that while you may be able to affect change in your small part of the world, the organization as a whole may not reflect your beliefs any time soon. Change within large corporations is very slow or non-existent. Watch for signs that your personal leadership development plan is making a difference in your immediate environment.