The reason why many people struggle to lead, and influence others is because they have not paid attention to leading themselves. Self-Leadership is the important first step in every leader’s journey, and like other aspects of leadership – leading others, leading results, and leading transformation, self-leadership is a continuous process. You never get 100% at it, but each day you work at it!

So, if you are concerned about the kind of results that you are getting from the rest of your team, take some time out for some introspection, bring out your mirror and ask pertinent questions regarding the following aspects of YOU:

• Your Values: What are the fundamental beliefs that give direction and meaning to your life? What are you prepared to die for? What are those things that your belief system prevents you from compromising on, and to what extent do these beliefs and values actually shape the way you think, the choices you make, and how you spend your life?
  
  
• Your Personality: What is your preferred style of communication and engagement? What is your temperament? How do this style and temperament affect your ability to influence others? Do you use them as an excuse for bad behavior or are you cognizant of their impact and willing to adapt your style so that you can connect to others?
  
  
• Your Conflict Response: How do you respond to difficult situations and conversations? Are you confrontational, avoiding, or do you try to seek a win-win?
  
  
• Your Strengths: What are you good at? What do you enjoy doing? What are you the go-to person for? Does this align with the work you do in a way that you are motivated and fulfilled?
  
  
• Your Weaknesses: What are those areas in your life that require improvement? Are you open to feedback, learning, and making changes?

By paying attention to understanding yourself – your beliefs, values, talents, strengths, weaknesses, personality, and conflict-response style you will be in a better position to manage yourself and then manage and lead others.

If you wish to further improve your leadership skills, please visit our eLearning platform to take this course on How to Grow as a Leader.