I run a business, which means I must assume a leadership stance; but I’m not only talking about a business in real estate franchising here, I’m also referring to the business of me.
Each one of us should be investing in the business of developing ourselves first.
What I have observed over the years is that great leadership comes from self-improvement, continually working on taking ownership and becoming more decisive.
Decisiveness brings a sense of freedom and helps a business leader be more efficient, competitive, and inspiring.
Before influencing and guiding others to follow your vision and help achieve your goals, you need to be active in your personal leadership.
You have to lead yourself before you can lead others.
Personal leadership, I believe, is the ability to make decisions and changes to facilitate growth despite the temptation to stay the same or deal with the necessary difficulties and sacrifices that may come with it.
It is holding yourself to account to a higher standard and with a healthy level of expectation. It involves self-discipline, integrity and self-awareness..
Self-awareness, in my opinion, is one of the most underrated skillsets, and mandatory to be an effective leader.
When I consider levels of personal leadership, I realise that people often focus on the wrong things first.
They might go about self-improvement the wrong way round, looking at plans, metrics, timeframes and so on when instead they should focus on the foundational levels, because it all starts with you as a person.
It all starts with asking yourself some important questions. Why are you in the business you’re in? How hungry are you? What’s your reason… your driver? What’s your ultimate ambition?
Who are you? Do your position, values, commitments and authenticity define you? What do I want my life to look like when all is said and done?
As cliched as it is, these two platforms form the solid base on which you layer your direction and vision, your plans, and your execution.
True personal leadership is synonymous with extreme ownership, improved clarity and absolute focus.
People can sometimes look to external factors and outside influences when what they really need is to focus internally to solidify that foundation for truly effective personal leadership.
Thinking that your success or progress depends on externals like new tools and mentors, or a different environment may prevent you from taking full ownership of the course of your life/business.
Seeking external influences can also be a subconscious strategy, a way out of taking responsibility; or, even worse, a scapegoat for your actions and a way to avoid personal accountability, a hallmark of leadership.
Don’t get me wrong, sometimes the best ideas come from someone external to your business, but it is important to take ownership of the decisions you make.
Learning and leadership connect. The best leaders are learners, and more specifically continuous learners, because leadership requires adaptability, problem-solving, and the ability to inspire and guide others in an ever-changing environment.
Just a couple of points to think on:
Avoid seeking validation and assurance from too many people, instead focus on gathering insights from a select group of trusted advisors and then make decisions with confidence.
Be careful who you give your ear to. Many a good person and business has been derailed by heeding the advice of people who are not heavily invested in the impacts and outcomes. They have no stake in the person or business… no skin in the game.
Experience and accountability unlock success in business, with experience being the foundation of smart decision-making and accountability creating an ownership mentality and driving high performance and continuous improvement.
When these come together, they create leaders who are wise, resilient, and action oriented.
Three key actions to boost personal leadership:
- Take full responsibility for your progress. No excuses, the buck stops with you. As a leader, it is a burden that you are required to carry, but the rewards are many if you accept it and continue to move forward.
- Stay disciplined with your decision making even when motivation fades. Great decision making is a habit and a skill. The more you do it, the better you become.
- Invest in your personal growth and surround yourself with a key group of people who challenge and inspire you to grow. Never stop trying to get better.
When you strengthen your ability to lead yourself effectively, you will be better at influencing and leading others as well. I wish you all the very best on your journey.
