The Art Of Self-Leadership

The Art of Self-Leadership

By Mark Wager

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

— Sun Tzu, The Art of War

The Chinese military general Sun Tzu wrote about the need to know yourself around 2,500 years ago in his military strategy masterpiece, The Art of War. Today, the world is remarkably different, but one thing hasn’t changed: success starts within. If you want change, you need to change yourself first. If you want to lead a team, you first need to be able to lead yourself. Let me talk to you about the art of self-leadership.

What is Self-Leadership?

Think of self-leadership as the art of leading yourself. It starts with a deep understanding of who you are—your strengths, weaknesses, values, and what motivates you. This self-awareness helps you make better decisions and align your actions with your goals in a way that is authentic.

Obtain Feedback

The best way to start on your journey of self-leadership is to obtain feedback from those around you. This may seem daunting, as you may well hear things about yourself that you not only disagree with but that may even upset you. However, remember that this is a small price to pay in order to know the truth about how others see you. Here are a few suggestions on how you can obtain quality feedback.

Firstly, create an open and trusting environment. Encourage team members to share their thoughts and concerns without fear of repercussions. This can be facilitated through regular check-ins and fostering a culture of transparency. Next, utilise anonymous surveys. Tools like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms can help collect honest feedback without putting employees on the spot. Ensure the questions are specific and geared towards actionable insights. Hold regular one-on-one meetings. These sessions offer a personal touch and can uncover deeper issues or ideas that might not surface in group settings. Be an active listener and show genuine interest in their input. Encourage peer feedback. Sometimes, colleagues can provide unique perspectives on each other’s performance and collaboration. Implementing peer review systems can be highly effective. Finally, act on the feedback received. Demonstrating that you value and implement suggestions builds trust and encourages ongoing communication, making it more likely that you will continue to receive accurate feedback in the future.

Understanding Bias

Self-leadership requires a clear, unbiased perspective. Leaders must be aware of their own biases to make fair decisions and foster an inclusive environment. Biases, whether conscious or unconscious, can skew a leader’s judgement, leading to unfair treatment and missed opportunities. To mitigate this, leaders should first acknowledge that everyone has biases. We all see the world in very different ways; a good leader in one person’s view may be seen as a poor leader by someone else. Recognising this is the first step towards addressing it.

Leaders should engage in self-reflection and seek diverse perspectives. Regularly reflecting on decisions and considering how biases might have influenced them is crucial. Seeking input from a diverse group of colleagues can help counteract personal biases and provide a more balanced view. I have to say that in my opinion, coaching is essential. Working with an experienced leadership coach like myself will greatly expedite your progress, saving you months and potentially years of learning and, more importantly, helping you avoid making mistakes that could stall your progress.

Self-Motivation

It’s incredibly difficult to motivate people if you are not motivated yourself. No matter how hard you try, your team will see through your words, and how you truly feel can be seen in your actions. Self-motivation is a critical trait for any leader striving for success. It’s the driving force that keeps leaders focused, resilient, and committed to their goals, even in the face of challenges. Here are some strategies to cultivate self-motivation:

Have a clear definition of success: Leaders should define clear, achievable goals. Using the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) framework can help create a roadmap that provides direction and purpose. If in doubt ask yourself what would it look like if you were successful, this will help you define success 

Discover your purpose: Understanding the deeper reason behind your goals fuels motivation. Reflect on what inspires you and align your actions with these intrinsic motivators. It’s not your goal that motivates you, it may seem that way initially  but in reality it’s what your goal represents that counts, 

Stay Positive: Maintaining a positive mindset is crucial. Practise positive self-talk, celebrate small victories, and view setbacks as learning opportunities. A big advantage of working with a Leadership coach is that they will help you build resilience which in turn makes maintaining motivation a lot easier.

Dealing with Stress

Leaders are not immune to stress. The art of self-leadership is becoming adept at transforming it into an opportunity for growth and resilience. Leadership often comes with high levels of stress, making it crucial for leaders to develop effective stress management strategies. Here are some practical tips to help leaders maintain their well-being and perform at their best:

Prioritise Self-Care: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep are foundational for managing stress. We all have busy lives, but remember, self-care is not a luxury but a necessity for achieving your goals.

Delegate Tasks: This is easier said than done but recognise that you cannot do everything yourself. Delegate tasks to capable team members, which not only reduces your workload but also empowers your team. A good reminder is it to ask yourself “who can do the task?” Instead ask “who should do the task?”

Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Schedule regular breaks and ensure you have downtime to recharge. Disconnecting from work during off-hours is crucial for maintaining a healthy balance.

Self-leadership is a journey of continuous self-discovery, growth, and improvement. For new and aspiring leaders, it is the bedrock upon which successful leadership is built. By cultivating self-awareness, self-regulation, and self-motivation, you can navigate the complexities of leadership with confidence and resilience. Remember, the ability to lead others starts with the ability to lead yourself. Embrace self-leadership, and you will unlock your full potential as a leader.

“There is a person with whom you spend more time than any other, a person who has more influence over you, and more ability to interfere with or to support your growth than anyone else. This ever-present companion is your own self.” - Dr. Pamela Butler, Clinical Psychologist

About the Author

A strong believer in taking complex leadership & psychological theories and making them accessible to people regardless of their background, education or industry Mark has helped develop Leaders from some of the Asia-Pacific region’s top organisations such as Amnesty International, NZ Red Cross, Habitat, Heartland Bank, the NZ Rugby League, the Blues, the Catholic Church, Weta workshops and many more.

Are you a manager struggling with poor-performing staff, team motivation, or effective delegation? As an experienced leadership Coach with over 30 thirty years managerial experience Mark Wager specialises in helping managers like you tackle these challenges head-on. Imagine transforming your team’s performance, boosting morale, and mastering delegation, so you’re not shouldering all the work. With tailored strategies and personalised support, Mark will empower you to lead with confidence and ease. 

Work together to unlock your full potential and create a thriving, productive workplace. Reach out today and take the first step towards exceptional leadership. Contact Mark for a free 30 minute strategy session