What makes a leader great? We can debate essential leadership qualities or look at case studies to try and craft the ideal leader. I think, though, that it all starts with the proper foundation. The old adage says, “Physician, heal thyself!”
We would do well to apply that to our role as bosses, managers, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. Lead thyself! After all, if you can’t effectively self-govern, what makes you believe you can do it for others?
Self-leadership is taking charge of our actions, behaviors, and development. We must cultivate the capacity to achieve personal and professional goals, make responsible decisions, and adapt to challenges.
So what does self-leadership look like…and why do we need it to lead others?
The Key Elements of Self-Leadership
Self-awareness – Understanding your strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations.
Self-regulation – Managing your emotions, impulses, and behaviors through self-discipline.
Self-motivation – Cultivating an internal drive to achieve goals and overcome obstacles.
Goal setting – Establishing clear and achievable objectives that align with personal values and aspirations.
Adaptability – Being flexible and resilient in the face of change or adversity.
Decision-making – Making informed and thoughtful choices.
6 Reasons Self-Leadership Matters
#1 – Personal Effectiveness
Self-leadership enhances personal effectiveness. In other words, it enables you to set and achieve meaningful goals, make wise decisions, and manage your time and resources efficiently. You’ll be more competent and impactful in everything you do!
#2 – Professional Success
In the workplace, self-leadership is highly valued. Individuals demonstrating self-leadership skills are often more productive, innovative, and adaptable. If you’re not yet in a leadership position, displaying powerful self-governance is your best way to get there.
#3 – Adaptability
In a rapidly changing world, the ability to adapt is crucial. Self-leadership empowers you to navigate uncertainty, learn from experiences, and proactively adjust to new circumstances.
#4 – Increased Resilience
Self-leadership fosters resilience by helping us cope with challenges, setbacks, and failures. It encourages a positive mindset and the ability to bounce back from adversity. We all know that life comes with its roadblocks and curveballs. How you handle these moments matters!
#5 – Empowerment
Taking charge of your development and success fosters a sense of empowerment. Self-leadership empowers us to take the initiative, set our own course, and shape our destinies.
#6 – Leadership Potential
Those who can effectively lead themselves are often better equipped to lead others. Self-leadership is a foundational skill for leadership at all levels! You will be seen as a leader when you set an example and exemplify qualities worth following.
How to Cultivate Self-Leadership
Step #1 – Work on self-awareness.
How well do you understand yourself? For some people, self-awareness comes naturally. For others, it’s harder to identify their thought patterns, motivators, strengths and weaknesses, or modus operandi. How do you navigate the world around you? What’s your thought process? Understanding yourself will always make you more intentional and effective in what you do!
Step #2 – Adopt a growth mindset.
A growth mindset means you see yourself as full of infinite potential. You’re malleable, capable of real change, and can overcome any challenges life throws you. You know you’re not fixed as you are. You see problems as opportunities for growth.
Step #3 – Practice discipline in self-management.
Do you know what can ruin your reputation in an instant? Being unable to control negative emotions. Too many bosses are known for their blow-ups – yelling and abusing their team in the process. Part of being a great leader is keeping your emotions in check, regardless of their strength. Start examining why you feel what you feel. Don’t make decisions when emotions are high.
Step #4 – Examine your motivations.
What gets you up in the morning? We’re more likely to maintain long-term momentum when we focus on our passion and principles and use them to guide our goals. Leaders can’t rely on their whims to make decisions. We need a solid rock to anchor ourselves to. Everything, then, will flow out from meaningful motivations.
Step #5 – Be a lifelong learner.
A conscious effort to improve yourself goes a long way. Foster your natural curiosity. Make it a personal goal to try new things, learn new skills, and understand the world differently. Expanding your perspective with a thirst for knowledge will help you understand yourself and others. That understanding leads to effective, empathetic leadership.
What do you do to hone self-leadership in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments.