So, you’ve made it to the top of your organization. There’s an incredible sense of accomplishment when you’re recognized for your talent and track record. Indeed, you may think you have what it takes to move on to even greater success.

Likely what got you here may not be a match for what’s next. This is particularly true when you consider the magnitude of disruption and change in the marketplace. To keep pace or move out front requires continually learning as a leader. If you’re a leader who isn’t constantly learning, you could find yourself left behind.

Learning to be a more effective leader can be a double-edged sword: It’s both attractive and a bit of a threat. It’s also the only way to see what’s truly possible for your organization. Being willing to accept that there are always aspects of your leadership you could improve is a game-changer. There’s tremendous power in demonstrating ongoing self-awareness, and great liberation in acknowledging that you don’t have all the answers. Being a great leader isn’t a one-time event; it’s an iterative process of leading and learning that will power you through the best of times as well as the tough stuff.

One of the most important things you can do as a leader is to continuously seek learning opportunities—from the people around you, from the results you see (or don’t), and from new thinking. It can transform your ability to lead people to successes they never imagined. It’s not an easy process, but it’s a much more reliable one than you may realize. If you want to take your people to groundbreaking performance—not just once, but again and again—the commitment to elevating leadership begins with you.

Whether you’re continuing to learn as a leader in a formal or informal way, here are some tips for fostering an environment that invites continuous development:

Forward Thinking
That big deal your team just cinched—or that discouraging result—is over. The world has already moved on. See beyond your last win or disappointment to what’s on the horizon. The most effective leaders I know have learned the value of continually reassessing where their businesses are and pursuing the extraordinary achievements that are still possible. They never stop questioning if there’s a better way to get the job done and if there is more possible to accomplish.

Be an Innovator
Allow your people to see how they can influence the future and equip them to do so. Invite disruptive thoughts not only to be aired but pursued. I’m not talking about one-off brainstorming, but rather having new approaches become part of the fabric of your team. I’ve seen leaders reinvent their games by building cultures where innovation isn’t a one-time event; it’s something that becomes inevitable in their business environment.

Focus on Aspiration
Some of the best business leaders lead with the “why” of their work. There’s an almost unstoppable power to a shared aspiration that gets people engaged at all levels of the organization. This transcends the tendency to focus on the “what,” “when,” and “how.” Sure, achieving unprecedented things can be a messy process. Obstacles can impede progress, resistance can complicate things, and setbacks can imperil everything. But if the collective commitment holds steady, people will prevail against odds.

And Finally … Lean into Setbacks
Setbacks and problems are usually met with avoidance and recalibration of goals and milestones. Consider this is often the greatest arena for learning as a leader. These real-world realities are actually opportunities for the greatest learning and most advancement. When a problem slows you down, acknowledge what’s happening, then try to look at it from a different perspective. What actions could you take to turn things around? What conversations can you have? Finally, don’t give in to old habits and behaviors—they’ll only impede your progress. Instead, create a new, more empowering context in which the current circumstances occur to you in a new way, leaving you with new actions to take.

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