Episode 72: Lead Yourself Too
YOU DESERVE GOOD LEADERSHIP
Especially the kind provided by yourself!
Enjoy!
Listen Here:
(The notes below are only a brief summary of what is discussed in the podcast. Be sure to listen to get all of the goodness! If you would like a full transcription of the episode, please send an email request to: angie@angie-robinson.com. We’d be happy to provide that!)
Leading oneself is a fundamental aspect of effective leadership. Before leading others, it is crucial to develop self-awareness, cultivate personal growth, and establish a strong foundation of personal leadership. This self-leadership journey not only enhances your own abilities and qualities but also enables you to lead others more effectively.
Self-leadership is an approach to life that focuses on responsibility for your own thoughts, feelings, actions and results. It is a journey, a daily practice that is powerful no matter where you stand in life or in your career.
To sum it up, self-leadership is the cornerstone of effective leadership. Before leading others effectively, you should be able to lead yourself first. True leadership begins internally, it begins with your state of mind. The first thing to do is to become aware of your mental models and patterns.
And - this is the cornerstone of the work I do and the Inside Out Way to meaningful results.
I also want to make clear that by saying “leading yourself first’ makes it sounds sequential. It is not a check-box item. It’s really alongside or parallel to….but the point is to give yourself the same or even more attention in your leadership as you do others.
We’ve heard the old analogy before about you need to put your own oxygen mask on before assisting others, right? I have to tell you – I always had a hard time with that. My personality is one that is caring and accommodating. I’m usually looking to ensure the comfort of others first (P.S. there is also some people-pleasing in there – which is a whole other topic). So the thought of “putting on my mask first” was so confusing. But of course – I get it….you will be no good to others if you aren’t getting the oxygen you need.
It's the same in so many areas of life, like parenting, marriages and relationships…and for this conversation – your work or your leadership (whatever that looks like for you).
When we thinking about starting with yourself – you might have images of self-care pop up. Exercise, sleep, not working a million hours in a week, doing things you enjoy, getting regular check-ups, etc. That is all good stuff for sure.
I actually see ‘leading yourself too’ as a form of self-care as well. Because leading yourself starts with tuning in (self-awareness). And spending time on self-awareness is self-care.
Here's are some of the benefits of leading yourself before (and alongside) leading others:
Clarity of purpose and values: Leading yourself involves clarifying your purpose, vision, and values. When you have a clear understanding of your own goals and values, you can align them with the organization's objectives, ensuring coherence and authenticity in your leadership. Leading with a sense of purpose inspires and motivates others, fostering a shared sense of direction and commitment.
Self-discipline and resilience: Self-leadership requires cultivating self-discipline and resilience. It involves setting goals, managing your time effectively, and persevering in the face of challenges. By demonstrating discipline and resilience, you set a high standard for yourself and inspire others to push their limits and overcome obstacles.
Cultivates self-trust and self-confidence: When you lead yourself – you are focusing on you – all parts of you. You foster more self-trust which can lead to self-confidence.
Emotional intelligence: Leading yourself entails developing emotional intelligence, which is crucial for managing your own emotions and understanding others' emotions. Emotional intelligence enables you to navigate conflicts, build strong relationships, and make empathetic and well-informed decisions. By honing your emotional intelligence, you can effectively lead and connect with others on a deeper level.
Authentic leadership: When you are more self-aware and emotionally intelligent - leading others authentically becomes much easier.
Continuous learning and growth: Leading yourself necessitates a commitment to continuous learning and personal growth. As a leader, you should constantly seek opportunities to expand your knowledge, acquire new skills, and develop your strengths. By investing in your own growth, you become better equipped to lead and inspire others, fostering a culture of learning within your organization.
Role modeling: As a leader, you serve as a role model for your team or organization. Leading yourself effectively demonstrates the behaviors, values, and qualities you expect from others. By consistently exemplifying discipline, integrity, and self-motivation, you inspire and encourage those around you to follow suit.
Stronger connections: Spending time on understanding yourself opens up your capacity to lead with curiosity and compassion. This will lead to stronger connections with others.
Let’s take a look at some of the barriers to leading yourself through the lens of the Insights® color energies:
Cool Blue: Might not see a clear ROI (return on investment) OR needs a clear step-by-step plan in place first.
Fiery Red: Leading self sounds too woo-woo or like it will take too much time.
Sunshine Yellow: The work sounds to self-reflective – too much time on their own.
Earth Green: Spending time on self seems selfish.
I would tell you to challenge all of those thoughts. What else could be true?
Here are some strategies for leading yourself:
Cultivate self-awareness: Regularly reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, values, and beliefs. Seek feedback from trusted sources and be open to self-improvement.
Set clear goals: Define both short-term and long-term goals that align with your vision and values. Break them down into actionable steps and track your progress.
Practice self-care: Prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Take care of your health, engage in activities that rejuvenate you, and establish work-life integration.
Learn to manage your mind: Being aware of your thoughts – and how they ultimately impact your results. Enhance your ability to recognize and manage your own emotions, as well as understand and empathize with others.
Explore your relationship with failure and foster a growth mindset: Embrace challenges and view setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth. Encourage a culture of innovation, curiosity, and continuous improvement within your team or organization.
Seek mentorship and learning opportunities: Surround yourself with mentors and seek out learning opportunities through books, courses, workshops, and networking events. Engage in peer-to-peer learning and collaborate with others to broaden your perspective.
Work with a coach: Engage with someone who will non-judgmentally help you identify and overcome barriers and ask questions to allow you to think differently.
Leading yourself is an ongoing journey that requires self-reflection, commitment, and continuous improvement. By prioritizing self-leadership, you will be better equipped to inspire, motivate, and guide others toward shared success.
What do you think?
Do you lead yourself alongside those you lead?
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