My mentor, Zan Monroe, told a class I was in once about how he became a better tennis player. Every day he would practice and learn something that would improve his swing, serve, or backhand. He continues to practice because you can always improve. It's the same with improving your leadership skills. You must practice, learn and improve daily. It's the long game of building a better business.

I also thought about how I began my professional development and growth. It started by attending the state real estate conference in Myrtle Beach, SC. A group of my friends and I went because A: it was at the beach and B: we would earn our CE credit for the year. I'd been a realtor for about 2 or 3 years at this point. But I hadn't looked at myself as a business owner. I learned so much at that conference that opened my eyes to how I would manage my business going forward. I needed to continually learn my craft, even while I was practicing it. It led me to great heights as a leader within my real estate community.  I  also developed skills that I could carry forward in anything I did. Even now as the Executive Director of the chamber, I still reach out to my mentor. I continue to learn new ways to improve upon what I do daily.

Developing leaders and leadership skills are vital to our businesses. Currently, the Putnam County Community Improvement Corporation is preparing a leadership development course with Ohio Northern University. This is an excellent opportunity to build upon your skills. I hope you take advantage of the opportunity to gain experience and grow in new ways.

Here at the chamber, we will be focused on education in the coming year. Both for leaders and for your staff. One of the courses I'm most excited about is one that will be taught virtually by my mentor. I look forward to sharing Zan's brilliant course with everyone.

Lastly, I encourage you to find a mentor. One who tells you the hard stuff, the things you need to hear or think about along with the kudos for the things you are doing right. I'm grateful that after all these years later, I can still reach out to Zan for a quick chat and learn something to carry forward. I grew into the leader I became because he taught me to believe in myself.



I believe in you, too!