Ten Pathways to Growth and Positive Change

August 17, 2025
  |  
Average Read Time

Ten Pathways to Growth and Positive Change

August 17, 2025
  |  
Average Read Time
Leadership Training

Sheila Murray Bethel once said, “In the twenty-first century, our leadership talents will be constantly tested and challenged. Whether you are leading at work, in the community, or at home, the courage to explore your attitudes and aptitudes will be one of your most influential qualities.”

Her message is clear: courage and change go hand-in-hand when we seek to grow as leaders. By embracing both, we open the door to greater effectiveness, deeper influence, and lasting impact. Bethel invites us to reflect on ten powerful statements, guiding lights that can help us identify where we can stretch, grow, and reach our full potential.

1. The courage to speak the truth.

True leadership begins with honesty and being willing to seek and speak the truth even when it challenges our own beliefs, investments, or comfort. The freedom to lead authentically depends on our ability to uncover and stand by what is real.

2. The courage to live ethically.

In a world where shortcuts and compromise can be tempting, choosing the ethical path requires strength. Leaders who hold themselves to high moral standards inspire trust, respect, and loyalty in those around them.

3. The courage to be involved.

Leadership is action, not observation. While apathy erodes progress, engagement fuels it. Even when faced with “compassion fatigue,” great leaders continue to step forward, get involved, and encourage others to do the same.

4. The courage to reject cynicism.

Cynicism can feel safe, but it limits possibility. By choosing optimism and open-mindedness, leaders create space for innovation, collaboration, and hope.

5. The courage to take responsibility.

Owning our actions, whether they bring success or failure, is a mark of maturity. Leaders don’t waste time on excuses or blame. Instead, they focus on learning, adapting, and moving forward.

6. The courage to lead at home.

Our most enduring legacy is often built within our families. Nurturing, guiding, and leading in our personal lives is as vital as any professional achievement.

7. The courage to persist.

The journey of leadership is rarely smooth. Staying the course when challenges arise, holding faith in the value of your work, and resisting the temptation to retreat to old habits keeps progress alive.

8. The courage to serve and sacrifice.

In a society driven by ego and individual success, it takes real courage to put others first. The most respected leaders understand that service, not self-promotion, is the true measure of greatness.

9. The courage to stand for something.

Many can point out problems; fewer can champion solutions. Leaders clarify their values, focus on what they believe in, and inspire others toward shared goals.

10. The courage to follow.

Even strong leaders know the value of being a good follower. Welcoming ideas, learning from others, and supporting someone else’s vision strengthen both the team and the individual.

As we develop and move forward, these ten pathways offer a compass for growth, resilience, and a positive impact for our team and all those we lead.

Here's the proof.

W&R Real Estate, led by Andrew Rossi and Darren Williams, joined Smartre Training in 2023 shortly after opening their agency. In just 18 months, they’ve grown from $40,000 to $140,000 in monthly fees, achieved six consecutive months of profitability, and built a thriving business with sustained growth. The Smartre Training team brings real-world expertise, relevant strategies, and mentorship - helping agencies lay a strong foundation for long-term success. If you’d like to explore how these same principles can drive growth in your business, book a meeting with our team today. Contact us directly on 07 3426 0677, or email matt@smartretraining.com.au.

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Sheila Murray Bethel once said, “In the twenty-first century, our leadership talents will be constantly tested and challenged. Whether you are leading at work, in the community, or at home, the courage to explore your attitudes and aptitudes will be one of your most influential qualities.”

Her message is clear: courage and change go hand-in-hand when we seek to grow as leaders. By embracing both, we open the door to greater effectiveness, deeper influence, and lasting impact. Bethel invites us to reflect on ten powerful statements, guiding lights that can help us identify where we can stretch, grow, and reach our full potential.

1. The courage to speak the truth.

True leadership begins with honesty and being willing to seek and speak the truth even when it challenges our own beliefs, investments, or comfort. The freedom to lead authentically depends on our ability to uncover and stand by what is real.

2. The courage to live ethically.

In a world where shortcuts and compromise can be tempting, choosing the ethical path requires strength. Leaders who hold themselves to high moral standards inspire trust, respect, and loyalty in those around them.

3. The courage to be involved.

Leadership is action, not observation. While apathy erodes progress, engagement fuels it. Even when faced with “compassion fatigue,” great leaders continue to step forward, get involved, and encourage others to do the same.

4. The courage to reject cynicism.

Cynicism can feel safe, but it limits possibility. By choosing optimism and open-mindedness, leaders create space for innovation, collaboration, and hope.

5. The courage to take responsibility.

Owning our actions, whether they bring success or failure, is a mark of maturity. Leaders don’t waste time on excuses or blame. Instead, they focus on learning, adapting, and moving forward.

6. The courage to lead at home.

Our most enduring legacy is often built within our families. Nurturing, guiding, and leading in our personal lives is as vital as any professional achievement.

7. The courage to persist.

The journey of leadership is rarely smooth. Staying the course when challenges arise, holding faith in the value of your work, and resisting the temptation to retreat to old habits keeps progress alive.

8. The courage to serve and sacrifice.

In a society driven by ego and individual success, it takes real courage to put others first. The most respected leaders understand that service, not self-promotion, is the true measure of greatness.

9. The courage to stand for something.

Many can point out problems; fewer can champion solutions. Leaders clarify their values, focus on what they believe in, and inspire others toward shared goals.

10. The courage to follow.

Even strong leaders know the value of being a good follower. Welcoming ideas, learning from others, and supporting someone else’s vision strengthen both the team and the individual.

As we develop and move forward, these ten pathways offer a compass for growth, resilience, and a positive impact for our team and all those we lead.

Here's the proof.

W&R Real Estate, led by Andrew Rossi and Darren Williams, joined Smartre Training in 2023 shortly after opening their agency. In just 18 months, they’ve grown from $40,000 to $140,000 in monthly fees, achieved six consecutive months of profitability, and built a thriving business with sustained growth. The Smartre Training team brings real-world expertise, relevant strategies, and mentorship - helping agencies lay a strong foundation for long-term success. If you’d like to explore how these same principles can drive growth in your business, book a meeting with our team today. Contact us directly on 07 3426 0677, or email matt@smartretraining.com.au.