Part of leading others lies in knowing ourselves. Yet so many of us lead from the outside first before we ever even begin to think about examining what’s within. What are our daily needs? How can we grow, prosper, and have more success as individuals as well as leaders?
It’s easy to overlook our own personal growth while leading others to achieve challenging goals. Many of us ignore ourselves in the interest of others, or go too far in the opposite direction, falling into the trap of becoming too self-absorbed at one time or another, and seek desperately to avoid this personal and professional pitfall. Yet to sustain us and realize our potential, we must engage in self-development.
Given the day-to-day demands of leadership, how do we do that?
Start by imagining a future version of yourself absolutely delighted, standing in the intersection of your capabilities, your heart’s desire, and your financial goals. Ask yourself if your current track is moving you toward, or away from, that “future you.”
Let’s call where you are today “Point A” and the intersection of capability, heart, and finances (with delight) “Point B.”
Are you moving on a straight line from A to B? What needs to change for you to correct your course, and move more directly from A to B? What do you need to start doing, stop doing, or make sure you continue doing, to make a “B-Line” to Point B?
What are your barriers that you can do something to remove? Are your outside interests, selfless acts, or habit of leading without self-examination leading you too far down one path that you can’t backtrack toward the other two?
With so many people to feel responsible for, it is difficult to stay on our own personal journey. Being deliberate about your “Point B” will make your journey more direct. With imagination and focus you will find the right balance to stay on course to achieve your potential, and align that with your role as a leader. It’s not just a good thing to do; it’s a great way to lead.
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An accountability question:
What do you need to start, stop, change, or continue to realign yourself with your “Point B,” where you are delighted, and your passion, your capabilities, and financial needs intersect?
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