Mastering Personal Guidance: A Straightforward Three-Point Strategy
Guy, common sense might suggest that to be an effective leader of others, you ought to first master leading yourself. However, research disappointingly reveals that this isn't as common sense as we thought. Take, for instance, self-awareness, a fundamental aspect of self-leadership. In a major study led by psychologist Tasha Eurich, she discovered that merely 10-15% of leaders scored highly in this field[1].
To delve deeper into self-leadership, I had the pleasure of chatting with leadership expert Heather R. Younger, J.D., CSP. She's an esteemed author, and her book, The Art of Self Leadership, is a must-read.
So, What Exactly is Self-Leadership?
According to Younger, self-leadership isn't a quest for perfection, nor mastery of every skill. Instead, it's all about setting sail on a transformative journey focused on self-growth[1]. "It's a commitment to develop inside, so we can shine outside, spiraling upward through self-awareness, resilience, and purposeful action," explains Younger.
It's essential to clarify what self-leadership isn't. It doesn't imply you must traverse life's challenges alone. Collaboration and involving others is an integral component to thriving on this journey[1].
To empower your self-leadership skills, Younger proposed a simple, yet powerful three-step framework.
Unlocking the Power of Your 3-Step Self-Leadership Framework
The cornerstone of this self-leadership formula is a call to action by Younger: "Stop waiting for others to give you the green light." The framework encompasses self-understanding, personal growth, and sustainability, and social interaction and influence.
Let's explore each step in further detail:
1. Self-Understanding: The Foundation of Leadership
Leadership is impossible without knowing who you are. Self-leadership begins by delving into your core values, recognizing your vulnerabilities, and confronting your fears.
- Recognizing Your Intrinsic Worth: Often, we equate our worth to external achievements or other people's validation. But self-leadership starts by acknowledging that your value is inherent, building the confidence to face challenges with clarity and conviction.
- Identifying Limitations and Conquering Fear: Fear is often the unseen obstacle that keeps us from moving forward. By acknowledging your fears and understanding their roots, you can begin to confront them instead of allowing them to control you. Similarly, by recognizing your limitations, you empower yourself to rely on others and build more balanced partnerships[1].
- Reflection Prompt: What are my strengths, and how can I leverage them to overcome the fears or limitations I've recognized?
2. Personal Growth and Sustainability: The Continuous Journey
Leadership isn't a one-time event; it's a lifelong commitment. This phase of self-leadership emphasizes balance between progress and perfection and personal care and continuous development.
- Progress Over Perfection: Striving for perfection can be debilitating. Self-leadership demands a mentality shift to prioritize growth through small, consistent actions over the pursuit of flawlessness[1].
- Prioritizing Self-Care: You can't pour from an empty cup. Resilience isn't about never cracking – it's about building practices and habits that help you recover stronger, maintaining your mental, physical, and emotional well-being[1].
- Embrace Strengths: Tapping into your inherent talents will naturally make you more effective in all spheres of life. Strength-based leadership is not only beneficial to you but also inspiring for those around you[1].
- Exercise for Action: Identify one area in your life where perfectionism holds you back. Set a goal focused on progress, not outcome.
3. Social Interaction and Influence: The Outward Glow
Self-leadership extends beyond personal growth; it touches upon how you relate and influence the world around you.
- Building Meaningful Relationships: At its heart, leadership is relational. Developing strong, trusting relationships with colleagues and loved ones requires transparency, open communication, and a genuine desire to uplift others[1].
- Leveraging Your Voice: Self-leadership means stepping into your power and advocating for yourself and others. It also means being visible, allowing your authentic self to shine in a manner that inspires those around you[1].
- Giving and Receiving Feedback: Effective self-leaders welcome feedback as a tool for growth and intentionally provide constructive criticism to assist others on their journeys[1].
- Self-Reflection: How do my actions and words foster trust and connection with those around me?
Your Journey has No Finish Line
Self-leadership is a continuous process, not a destination. "As we delve deeper into self-awareness, prioritize balanced growth, and cultivate meaningful relationships, we create a ripple effect that transforms not only our own lives but also the communities and organizations we're a part of," Younger said. By mastering self-leadership, we acquire resilience, adaptability, and purpose – the tools required to thrive in a world of perpetual uncertainty[1].
Kevin Kruse, the founder of LEADx, is an exceptional leader who scales and sustains leadership behaviors through behavioral nudges, micro-learning, and live workshops. He is also an acclaimed New York Times bestselling author, having penned Great Leaders Have No Rules, 15 Secrets Successful People Know About Time Management, and Employee Engagement 2.0.
[1] Enrichment Data: Heather R. Younger's three-step self-leadership framework involves:
- Self-Understanding: This phase focuses on personal values, strengths, and limitations. By discovering your core values, recognizing and using your strengths, and confronting your vulnerabilities, you create a strong foundation to navigate life and work with authenticity and purpose[1].
- Personal Growth and Sustainability: This stage emphasizes setting realistic goals, prioritizing self-care, and practicing a growth mindset. By embracing progress over perfection, fitting self-care into daily routines, and tapping into strengths, individuals can foster resilience and grow sustainably[1].
- Social Interaction and Influence: This phase targets the relationship aspect of leadership, focusing on communication, trust, and empowerment. By developing self-awareness, building strong connections, using your voice, and providing constructive feedback, individuals can effectively impact and influence their environment[1].
In the context of self-leadership, Guy, it's crucial to note that career advancements often require strong leadership skills. By mastering self-leadership, individuals can effectively guide their own professional progress, positioning themselves as valuable assets in their chosen careers.
Furthermore, effective leaders understand the importance of continuous growth and development. Launching into leadership roles without a solid foundation of self-awareness and self-understanding can lead to missteps and miscommunications. By nurturing a commitment to personal growth and sustainability, leaders can ensure their abilities remain sharp and adaptable as the needs of their careers evolve.
