Research, this is the ongoing process of exploring, observing, and gathering information from diverse sources to deepen your understanding and expand your knowledge.

For leaders, research includes reading, asking powerful questions, seeking feedback, learning from others, and staying curious about emerging ideas and best practices.

These are the skills that you've already developed. They may feel second nature, but that’s their power, you’ve practiced them into your identity.

This is your leadership foundation. Recognizing it helps build confidence and shows what’s already working.

Think back to a moment you were at your best as a leader.

Maybe you:

• Held a difficult conversation with calm
• Organized a chaotic task with clarity
• Inspired your team with purpose

Ask yourself: What skills do I hold that helped me do that?

That’s your existing toolkit in action.

You’ve been on the leadership train long enough to have packed some things already.

This is your carry-on: your go-to strengths, the skills that never leave your side. Don’t underestimate them. Even simple ones like disconnecting from work, empathy when checking in with your team, or asking powerful questions because you are a curious leader; are all part of your power.

A skill is a specific ability that a person defines, learns, and practices until it becomes second nature. It is both measurable and improvable through repetition and feedback.

Example:

Intentional listening is the skill of fully focusing on the speaker, not just on their words, but also their tone, body language, and emotional undercurrent.

For the purpose of this question, we are only defining skills. please see the remaining questions as they will help you differentiate between skills and (tools, habits and or competencies). 

Return to your list from the last stop. Now highlight the ones you:

• Already practice regularly
• Have learned through experience
• Get feedback on by others because they can recognize it in you

This list reminds you that you’re not starting from scratch, you’re building from strength.

A tool is a technique, strategy, or method that helps you develop or apply a skill. Tools are how you practice, refine, and reinforce what you’re learning.

Example:

Paraphrasing is a tool that helps you practice intentional listening. By restating what the speaker said in your own words, you confirm understanding and build connection.

Think of your journey like climbing a mountain. You’ve seen the peak, but now you stop to check your backpack.

What’s missing? What tools would make this climb easier?

The better your tools, the more empowered you are.

A habit is an action performed so frequently that it becomes automatic. Habits form the foundation of consistent leadership behavior, shaping how you show up daily.

Example:

Starting each meeting with a moment of silence and intention, setting is a habit that centers your focus and creates presence.