Leaders who seek to improve and develop their leadership competence often adopt an outward focus to direct their improvement. Looking outward to identify new or complementary skills is certainly necessary to grow. However, an often overlooked area is internal reflection and application of existing skills, knowledge and insight. In our APP driven world, we are constantly looking to streamline or upgrade to the newest version often at the expense of appreciating the value that our current system or resource offers. On a personal level, the same principle can be applied when we discount or devalue what we already know. Start with the premise that you can’t teach someone something you don’t know, and, that you can’t lead someone to a place you have not been yourself, physically or experientially. Therefore, it is good to look inward to ensure you are equipped to effectively lead others. Start by leading yourself to the best outcomes and achievements you can attain and thereby be an example that others will want to follow and emulate.
Lead yourself by reflecting on the following suggestions:
- Live the values you seek in others
- Model the behaviours you expect
- Serve based on humility not hubris
- Examine your motives – are they positive and honourable?
- Stand firm on principles – your pillars of truth
- Look for the good in others
- Work from a place of faith, not only logic
- Have faith in a higher power and in the potential for good in others
- Play and work from your strengths
- Do what is right – always, not only when it is profitable, convenient or when others are watching
- Have a mentor or confidante that has permission to tell you need to hear even if it makes you uncomfortable
- Spend quiet time reflecting and looking inward to improve your outward perspective
Remember, you are evaluated more by what you do than what you say.
