In my previous article, I introduced the DOER-R© framework as a practical tool for leadership development. By focusing on the steps of Defining, Owning, Enlisting, Resolving, and Reinforcing, leaders can grow faster and more effectively by solving real challenges collaboratively.
But frameworks are only valuable if they lead to real-world action. Leadership isn’t about memorizing theory; it’s about building daily habits that sharpen your skills and deepen your impact. The DOER-R framework is a flexible, structured process that helps leaders rehearse their approach to challenges, build confidence, and apply their learning directly to their work.
Here’s how you can start using DOER-R today.
A Daily Leadership Practice Built on DOER-R
Step 1: Define the Challenge Leadership growth begins by identifying a specific, actionable challenge. Ask yourself:
- What’s the biggest problem I need to solve today?
- Which skill can I sharpen while addressing it?
The goal is to pick one challenge that feels urgent and relevant, without overanalyzing. For example:
- Challenge: “I need to improve alignment with my team on project deadlines.”
- Skill to Focus On: Decision-Making.
- DOER-R Element: Define (D), clarifying expectations and roles.
This step isn’t about solving the problem yet, it’s about clearly understanding the issue and identifying the skill that will help you address it effectively.
Step 2: Rehearse on the Challenge Bridge The Challenge Bridge is where you practice your approach in collaboration with a peer, mentor, or trusted advisor. This is a safe, low-stakes space to explore solutions, gain feedback, and rehearse strategies.
Here’s how it works:
- Set the Stage: Begin by sharing your defined challenge and the skill you’re focusing on. For example, explain your goal to improve alignment on project deadlines and your focus on decision-making.
- Collaborate: Work together to navigate the DOER-R elements. Your peer might ask questions like: “What’s preventing alignment right now?” “How have you approached this in the past?” “What decisions need to be made today to make progress?”
- Exchange Feedback: Use the conversation to identify blind spots, refine your approach, and strengthen your confidence before tackling the challenge in real life.
The key is that this is a rehearsal, not the real challenge. By practicing in this way, you gain clarity, uncover better solutions, and build habits that improve your ability to handle future challenges.
Step 3: Reflect and Track Growth in the Challenge Center After the rehearsal, take time to reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what you learned. Use the Challenge Center to:
- Track Progress: Record key actions and insights that emerged from the rehearsal.
- Evaluate Growth: Look at how your approach has improved over time by reviewing metrics like skill ratings and feedback effectiveness.
- Adjust Goals: Refine your focus for the next challenge based on what you learned.
For example, after your rehearsal, you might realize that your decision-making process could be faster or that you need to clarify roles more effectively. By tracking these insights, you can make adjustments and apply them immediately.
Why This Process Works
- It Focuses on Real Challenges: Leaders grow faster by addressing problems that matter right now, not by overloading themselves with abstract theories.
- It Combines Structure with Flexibility: DOER-R offers a framework, but leaders can adapt it to their unique challenges and work styles.
- It Reinforces Key Habits: The process encourages leaders to rehearse their approach, collaborate effectively, and reflect intentionally, leading to stronger habits over time.
- It Encourages Collaboration: By working with others, leaders learn to build trust, seek feedback, and view challenges from diverse perspectives.
A Simple, Actionable Leadership Practice
Here’s how to put DOER-R into action every day:
- Start the Morning by Picking One Challenge: Ask yourself what’s most pressing or impactful.
- Focus on a Skill: Identify which skill will help you tackle the challenge effectively.
- Rehearse on the Challenge Bridge: Collaborate with someone who can offer valuable insights and feedback.
- Reflect in the Challenge Center: Track your progress, adjust your approach, and align your efforts with your goals.
By following this process, you’ll see measurable growth over time, and you’ll feel more confident tackling leadership challenges as they arise.
A Mindset for Growth
The DOER-R framework isn’t just a process; it’s a way of thinking about leadership. It encourages leaders to view every challenge as an opportunity to rehearse, learn, and grow. By integrating these habits into your daily routine, you’ll become more intentional, more collaborative, and more effective in your role.
If you’re ready to take your leadership to the next level, start tomorrow with one challenge. Define it, rehearse it, reflect on it, and watch how quickly your skills and confidence grow.
