How should you lead yourself or work to improve yourself? It is important to take a strategic approach. Start today by gaining clarity on prior conditioning that might be adversely affecting your ability to lead yourself and others effectively. Conditioning often reveals itself in the form of habits that affect a leader’s ability to motivate, inspire, and hold others accountable. Assessments and candid feedback are essential to identifying conditioning. These should be followed by the development of a strong goals program, which should include relevant action steps and accountability measures. Investing in personal and professional development can provide knowledge of self, which is essential to becoming a leader who positively affects the lives of others.
Here are a few additional thoughts.
Effective Leadership Begins with a Self-Assessment
Some of the most difficult work that I have to do begins with me. In the past, there were times when it was easier for me to criticize or blame others for things that went wrong—things for which I held complete responsibility. I have had to realize that it all begins with me. I am the only person I can control. I have heard it said that when you change, the things you look at change. There is a lot of truth to this statement. At this moment, there is an epidemic of blame and refusal to take responsibility in our country. What if each of us looked in the mirror, honestly assessed who we are, and worked to determine the reasons why we are the way we are? What would happen if we then decided to make a very serious effort to change? We could maximize our lives in a more significant way and serve others in more meaningful ways.
Accept Your Responsibility as a Leader of Others
Helping others develop and flourish is a very important piece of the puzzle. The journey is not only about you or me. I have learned that the way I live and lead my life has the potential to affect those around me in either positive or negative ways. I can be a positive force for change or a negative member of society who exhibits behavior that does nothing positive for the common good. Regardless of your professional position, you are a leader. You are a leader of yourself and others. You are a leader in your family and in your workplace. You are also a leader in the community, and in other areas where you take time for enjoyment and fun. As we work on ourselves and improve in the important areas of life, we gradually become better able to assist others in bringing out the best in themselves as well.
Be a Great Model for Others to Emulate
Have you ever seen a child emulate a parent or an employee adopt the behavior of a boss? If their behavior is positive, the behavior of those around them will probably also be positive. The same is true if it is negative. Again, it begins with you and me. Self-image is a key part of this, and it is something that we will explore in future posts. How do you see yourself? How are you presenting yourself on a daily basis?
Decide and Take Action
Having worked with all sorts of people in my career, one thing has always been clear when I encounter people who refuse to take responsibility or accept constructive feedback and change—the attitudes, morale, and motivation levels surrounding them are poor. Their performance and that of their teams is low or mediocre. Take time today to look in the mirror and determine where you are. After you acknowledge where that is– good or bad–determine what you can and will do to take yourself to the next level. Decide what you will do to be the very best version of yourself. You will be glad that you did, and those around you will probably be as well.
Be intentional and take a strategic approach to leadership and life. A great way to do this is to visualize the end of your life. What would you like to see at that point? Get that picture in your mind and begin painting it today. If you need help, reach out to a coach or trusted partner to help you develop a plan focused on achieving your goals and realizing your true potential.
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