“You must be the change you want to see in the world.”
Mahatma Gandhi
In the realm of leadership, we often focus on driving change and transformation in the external world. However, true greatness lies in our ability to transform ourselves from within. Personal leadership, the art of leading ourselves, is the foundation for leading others to greatness and success. As the world constantly evolves and faces various challenges, developing inner-centeredness becomes paramount for leaders to navigate the storms ahead.
The Importance of Personal Leadership
Consider a mountaineering expedition, where individuals must depend on each other for survival. Each climber’s personal leadership is crucial as their lives are literally tied to their teammates. Just like in business, leaders cannot succeed alone; their team is their lifeline. Personal leadership involves caring for one’s physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being, showing up fully for oneself and others. It requires a commitment to self-awareness and a conscious approach to leadership.
3 Ways to Develop Personal Leadership
1. Commit to Your Growth
Every journey towards personal leadership starts with a commitment. Make a conscious decision to prioritize your well-being and become your best self. This commitment involves being in tune with yourself, recognizing when any aspect of your life is off-balance, and taking steps to address it. Conscious leaders are fully aware of themselves, which allows them to lead with greater understanding and empathy. By committing to personal growth, you can create a positive impact on your teams, customers, and organization as a whole.
2. Hold Yourself Accountable
Once you commit to personal growth, hold yourself accountable for your actions and choices. When we let ourselves down, we experience deep disappointment. By taking responsibility for our emotions and behavior, we empower ourselves to reach our highest potential. Lead by example and set high standards for yourself, so you can expect the same from others. Whether it’s maintaining a regular exercise routine or practicing mindfulness, self-accountability is key to staying on track.
3. Invest in Your Well-being
Prioritizing your well-being requires time and effort. While self-accountability is crucial, seeking outside support can be valuable. Consider working with a therapist, coach, or trainer to gain additional guidance and support on your journey. Personal leadership is a lifelong adventure of growth, and investing in your development will pay off in the long run. Just as successful companies focus on continuous growth, so too should individuals on their personal leadership journey.
Navigating Stormy Times with Personal Leadership
In the face of unprecedented challenges like the pandemic, leaders are under immense pressure to steer their teams virtually. The interdependence and connection within the team and organization become even more critical during such times. Prioritizing the overall well-being of both the leader and the team is paramount to navigate these stormy waters successfully.
Embodying Shared Responsibility
Personal leadership encourages a sense of shared responsibility and accountability within the team. Just like a rope team on a mountain, everyone commits to showing up fully prepared and responsible for themselves and the team as a whole. Each member becomes a lifeline for the others, ready to support and carry on when needed. This approach fosters a culture of responsive leadership and decision-making, promoting continuous growth within the organization.
Changing from Within
Instead of managing change from the outside in, personal leadership fosters change from within. Leaders acknowledge that they can only control themselves, and they embrace the responsibility of showing up fully for themselves and their teams. This inner-centeredness enables leaders to weather any storm and make thoughtful decisions that benefit the organization and its people.
In Summary
Personal leadership is the key to leading with impact and guiding others towards greatness. By committing to personal growth, holding ourselves accountable, and investing in our well-being, we can become conscious leaders who lead from a place of total awareness and empathy. During challenging times, personal leadership helps create a shared sense of responsibility within the team, ensuring everyone’s well-being and success. As we navigate the uncertainties of life, let us remember that true change starts within ourselves, and by being the best versions of ourselves, we can inspire and lead others to become the change they want to see in the world.
