It’s tough to be a credible and authentic leader when you aren’t aware of yourself, your strengths and your weaknesses. A quest to continuously improve self-leadership is an important, yet often overlooked, skill. It’s developing mastery over yourself and gaining insight into what makes you tick and why.
Developing self-leadership can be particularly challenging because no one sees the effort you put into it. They also don’t see your internal struggles as you grapple between who you are and who you are becoming.
Here are some exercises that can be used to improve self-leadership:
1. Taking critical ownership of actions
Reflecting on your actions and their impact is vital to understanding what works and what doesn’t. What have you accomplished and how have you done so? How many bridges did you build, and how many were burnt? Are you comfortable with the outcome? In the future, what would you change and how would you improve your strategy?
2. Explore the duality
We live in a world of duality. There are opposites and contrasting aspects of our lives. Most of us have conflicting thoughts. We know we should be doing something when we’re doing something else. We believe one approach is best, and we think another course of action is the way to go. Our understanding of the situation differs radically from the facts presented by the media, the team, or another source. Science tells you one thing, your spirituality or worldview tells you another. You hold specific values, and you perform certain actions. Are your values and actions always aligned? In the tension between the two, take the time to explore what both perspectives mean and their consequences. What outcomes does each strategy support, and what are your impressions of those outcomes?
3. Awareness of the push-pulls
There are social, economic, political, and other forces that influence our decision-making and behaviours. Certain actions are pulling you towards a goal or behaviour, while certain powers are pushing you away from a certain goal, direction or behaviour. Be aware of what is pulling you forward and if that pull is in your best interest. Be aware of what is pushing you away from something or someone, and if that push is in your best interest. Being more attuned to these factors enhances your ability to make informed decisions and implement the necessary changes in strategy.
Developing self-leadership as a continuous process
Developing self-leadership involves several practical steps, including self-awareness, self-management, and self-motivation. Here are some steps a person can take to master self-leadership:
1. Seek to understand through Self-Reflection
Begin by regularly reflecting on your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Understand your strengths, weaknesses, and personal values. You can utilise journaling, meditation, or mindfulness practices to support this process. Self-reflection enables you to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and enhances your self-awareness.
2. Set goals and challenges
Set clear and realistic goals for yourself, both in the short term and long term. Break down your goals into smaller, actionable steps, and develop a plan to achieve them. This will help you maintain focus, stay motivated, and track your progress over time.
3. Manage Your Time
Prioritise tasks and allocate your time and resources effectively. Develop a daily routine and stick to it as much as possible. By managing your time effectively, you can ensure that you consistently and efficiently work towards your goals.
4. Practice Emotional Intelligence
Develop your emotional intelligence by recognising, understanding, and managing your emotions. Learn to manage stress, communicate effectively, and foster strong relationships with others. Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in self-leadership and personal development.
5. Undertake Continuous Learning
Invest in your personal and professional growth by seeking out opportunities for learning and development. Attend workshops, read books, listen to podcasts, or take online courses to expand your knowledge and skills. Embrace a growth mindset and view challenges as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks.
6. Develop Self-Discipline
Cultivate self-discipline by developing healthy habits, maintaining routines, and resisting temptations that distract you from your goals. Stay committed to your personal development and hold yourself accountable for your actions and decisions.
7. Seek Feedback
Actively seek feedback from others to gain insights into your blind spots and areas for improvement. Be open to constructive criticism and use it to make adjustments in your personal and professional life.
8. Practice Self-Motivation
Develop intrinsic motivation by focusing on the internal rewards of personal growth and self-improvement. Connect your goals to your values and remind yourself of the benefits of self-leadership. Celebrate your achievements and maintain a positive attitude towards your progress.
By following these steps and committing to the ongoing process of self-improvement, individuals can enhance their self-leadership skills, which are essential for navigating life’s challenges and achieving their personal and professional goals.
