Leading Yourself First
My early teenage years defined my views on leadership. As a person who was into sport, I was fortunate to have role models that inspired me and shaped my sporting aspirations. Despite this it didn’t stop the negative thoughts that I wouldn’t be as good as them. I found success in consecutive years in First XV rugby as a right winger and was the fastest in our school over 100 and 200 metres for athletics, for three years. My achievement was great, but my mindset was limited. This mindset became reinforced by being nominated as vice-captain for the First XV, vice-captain for our sports house and deputy head prefect (student leader). My realisation was that I was useful as a team player, and I was happy to be lead but I couldn’t quite make the number one role. This was until my last year of High School where I was nominated as a House Captain. For me it felt like a consolation prize because my aspirational peers had left. I was probably being too hard on myself, but I expected better. In this I missed out on what was important; that in aspiring to being like others I had failed to lead myself.
“Leading others requires you to lead yourself first”
When you develop a certain mindset, you can be contained and limited by it. Becoming self-aware of anything that may hinder you in your progress is important. In leadership it is more important, because the genuine you always shows up. The following 4 points help unpackage this:
Practice Self-Awareness:
Regularly reflect on your thoughts, emotions, and actions. Understand your values, strengths, and areas of development. Be self-aware and develop emotional intelligence, cultivating resilience and discipline.
Embrace Self-Belief:
Recognize the power of self-belief. Acknowledge your capabilities, skills and potential. Self-doubt will hold you back, but if you embrace confidence, you will break through self-doubt.
Challenge Your Limits:
Understand that your limits are often self-imposed. Continuously challenge and push these boundaries without comparing yourself to others. Growth happens when you step out of your comfort zone and embrace unknown challenges.
Be Authentic:
Embrace your unique qualities and experiences. Don’t compare yourself to others or try to imitate their leadership styles. Your authenticity is your strength. When you lead authentically, you inspire others because they see a genuine and relatable person.
Consider and understand the value you offer. When you can understand it for yourself it is easier to help others understand it. Get excited about what you are good at and lead from that place.
My 5 Learnings:
I should aspire to the achievements of other leaders but not try to be them.
Self-belief is fuelled by confidence, I need to invest in my skills, abilities and potential.
I become limited by the limits I place on myself.
Understanding my strengths, values and areas of development are crucial to better self-awareness.
I need to be authentic and always embrace my uniqueness to inspire trust.
Remember, leadership is many things, not just a singular stereotype. It starts with you first and if you are inspiring others, you are leading them no matter how great or small.
My 3 Questions for you:
How self-aware are you?
What limitations are you placing on yourself?
How does your authenticity help you build trust?
"The greatest leader is not necessarily the one who does the greatest things. He is the one that gets the people to do the greatest things." - Ronald Reagan
If you have questions, I would be happy to chat with you and help you discover more.
Remember daily to, “Find value in your influence”
Written By: Paul Fawcett.
