Life moves quickly. When you're leading a team, it can feel impossible to carve out time for yourself in addition to managing the demands of the day. However, like smart investors, the best leaders understand that a good long-term return requires regular investments.

Lolly Daskal, president and CEO of Lead From Within, admits that it's not always easy for leaders to invest in themselves. She also knows that this investment is critical to delivering the best leadership. In this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, we share Daskal's thoughts on how the best leaders invest in themselves.

They're open to feedback. The best way to invest in yourself as a leader is to be open to feedback, notes Daskal. It's a crucial skill for anyone in a collaborative work environment, and especially for leaders. Engaging with people directly and showing that you truly hear what they are saying is one of the best ways to build strong bonds and make yourself accessible as a leader.

They're always reading. Daskal has found that most great leaders are avid readers. For example, Bill Gates goes away on short retreats with 20 or so books. Whether you're learning a technical skill, seeking personal development or learning more about someone you admire, reading is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to invest in yourself.

They learn from their mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes, including leaders. But smart leaders make a point of learning from their mistakes and from the mistakes of others, says Daskal. They're constantly examining their actions and responses to find ways they can improve.

They grow their network. Leaders are not loners who stay away from other people. On the contrary, they're always looking for ways to grow their professional network and maintain relations with their colleagues and peers. A strong network can help you stay ahead of industry trends and foster productive collaboration, Daskal says.

They learn how to ask questions. Even if they're knowledgeable within their field, most leaders work as generalists. The best leaders understand that people who work with the details every day will have deeper knowledge, and they know that asking questions is a sign of respect and strength, not weakness.

They make time for reflection. No one can function properly without taking some time to stop and think things through. According to Daskal, the best leaders make time for reflection, taking pause throughout the day to refocus. It may sometimes feel like a waste of time, but those who practice it regularly find it's the source of their deepest insights.

They have a coach. Great leaders understand that self-development doesn't happen in isolation and that investing in themselves requires the support and expertise of others. A compatible coach can help you maximize opportunities and minimize obstacles, notes Daskal.

If you want to strengthen your sales team, start with yourself. Consider the ideas above to invest in your growth and development as a leader.

Source: Lolly Daskal is the president and CEO of Lead From Within, a global consultancy that specializes in leadership and entrepreneurial development. Huffington Post honored Daskal with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World.