In every line of business, effective leadership is the foundation of success. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an up-and-coming manager, honing your leadership skills is essential. But where do you start? Here, we’ve distilled decades of research into actionable steps that will get you started.

1: Leaders Solicit Feedback:

Leadership isn’t a solo act, it’s a collaboration between yourself and those around you. Feedback is an essential part of this exchange. Seek it out—boldly and consistently—from peers, direct reports, and mentors. Reflect on their insights. Celebrate your strengths, but don’t shy away from your blind spots. After all, growth happens at the intersection of self-awareness and constructive critique.

Action Point: Pick one person to ask for candid feedback and consider how to incorporate their comments moving forward.

2: Leaders Adapts to New Styles:

The best leaders tailor their approaches to specific contexts and team dynamics, rather than maintaining a one-size-fits-all approach. Familiarize yourself with all kinds of leadership models: transformational, situational, servant leadership—the list goes on. Each style has its best practices, strengths, and drawbacks. Try to learn as many of them as you can, then adapt your approach in the ways that work best for you and your team. Sometimes you will need to be a visionary, other times will call for you to be supportive. Flexibility is your greatest asset.

Action Point: Explore one style of leadership and think about how you can integrate it into your own personal style.

3: Leaders Focus on Specific Skills

While there are many leadership styles, the core foundation uses the same specific skills. Communication, emotional intelligence, decision-making, and conflict resolution are quantifiable skills that can be learned, practiced, and honed. Attend workshops, devour books, and—most importantly—practice deliberately.

Action Point:  Select one of these skills for conscious improvement – if you asked someone for feedback earlier, try using what you learned to inform the decision.

4: Leaders Build a Network:

The best leaders know they didn’t rise alone, they had a network of people helping them. Connect with fellow aspiring leaders—both within and beyond your organization. Swap stories. Learn from their triumphs and their stumbles. Industry conferences, professional associations, networking events are all great places to meet like-minded people and build a tribe and ascend together.

Action Point: Think about who is already in your network and find one avenue to expand it.

5: Leaders Utilize Coaches and Mentors

Good leaders have a network to rise with, but they also have people to help them up.  Consider finding a mentor or coach. They’ll illuminate your path, helping you navigate challenging situations, and set goals for improving your specific skills and style. With their guidance, you’ll rise higher and faster than you ever could on your own.

Action Point: Seek out a mentor or consider executive coaching.

Conclusion

And there you have it—five starting points for your leadership journey.  They may seem daunting, but remember to do things at your own pace.  The important thing is just to get started.