In order to best lead others, you must first learn to navigate the terrain of your own internal landscape. This principle is known as self-leadership.

Self-leadership is a vital principle that applies to everyone, irrespective of their role in life or at work, and it serves as the bedrock for personal and professional growth. It is an ever-evolving, transformative journey that begins with you.

Through my coaching programs, I teach the following tenets of self-leadership:

• Self-awareness
• Emotional intelligence
• Empathy
• Accountability

By cultivating these tenets and learning to lead yourself with conviction and integrity, you enhance your ability to lead others.

Self-Awareness: The Mirror to the Soul

Self-awareness is critical in recognizing your strengths and areas for improvement. It involves a deep introspection of your values, beliefs, and emotions, and understanding how these internal drivers influence behavior and decision-making. A study by Sutton, Williams, and Allinson (2015) in the Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology found that leaders with high self-awareness were more effective in their roles, demonstrating the significant impact of self-knowledge on leadership effectiveness.

Example: Jasmine realizes she has a fear of conflict that often leads to avoidance behaviors, thereby affecting team dynamics and her decision-making ability. By acknowledging this trait, she can consciously choose to bypass her “default setting” and seek strategies for constructive conflict management, thereby improving her team’s cohesion and performance.

Emotional Intelligence: The Heart of Leadership

Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to perceive, understand, and manage your own emotions and those of others. It’s a pivotal skill that enhances communication, conflict resolution, and stress management. Daniel Goleman’s international bestseller Emotional Intelligence, Why It Can Matter More Than IQ posits that leaders with high EI are more successful in managing teams and achieving goals. They are adept at navigating the complexities of human emotions, fostering an environment of trust and respect.

Example: When his team is assigned a particularly important account, John notices that he becomes more nervous and easily irritated than usual. Although this shift is subtle, John picks up on it thanks to EI, a skill he has strengthened through an intentional mindfulness practice. He leans into healthy stress management tactics before burnout affects the quality of his management style, work, or relationships.

Empathy: The Bridge to Connection

Empathy is the capacity to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s a critical component of effective leadership, enabling leaders to forge deep, meaningful connections with their teams. Research by Dr. Brene Brown has shown that empathy not only strengthens relationships but also builds trust and fosters a sense of belonging, essential ingredients for team success. This  quick Youtube video from Brene Brown really hits the nail on the head with empathy (as she explains, “feeling with people.”)

Example: Yvette notices a team member named Alvin’s performance has declined recently. Instead of immediately reprimanding him, she approaches the situation with empathy, discovering that he is dealing with personal issues. Together, Yvette and Alvin develop a temporary flexible work plan. This demonstration of understanding and support not only boosts Alvin’s overall morale, but also his productivity.

Personal Accountability: The Keystone of Growth

Accountability is the silent mentor in your life’s journey. Accountable leaders take ownership of actions and outcomes by setting personal standards of excellence and living up to them. By modeling accountability, leaders instill a culture of continuous improvement and ethical behavior.

Example: Lauren, a project manager, publicly commits to a launch deadline and ensures her team members understand their roles and responsibilities. When unexpected delays occur, she takes responsibility, communicating transparently with stakeholders and leading the effort to realign resources and priorities to meet the new timeline.

Continuous Growth: The Path Forward

Embrace the challenge of self-discovery and commit to a daily practice of self-reflection. Identify one aspect of self-leadership you wish to develop further, such as self-awareness or emotional intelligence, and take one small action today to cultivate that quality. Remember, the journey of self-leadership is ongoing. Each step you take builds a stronger foundation for personal excellence and leadership success. Start now and let your journey of transformation inspire others to do the same.

Self Coaching Question:

How can you take the first step in recognizing and harnessing your self-leadership qualities to create a positive impact in both your personal and professional life?

Self-leadership starts with you, but if you need a sounding board for your ideas or are experiencing roadblocks I’m here to help. Schedule a one-on-one consultation by clicking the link below:

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