Unlock your full potential by learning these five self-leadership skills:
When you think about leadership, you probably think about CEOs inspiring the team, making tough calls and overcoming roadblocks to achieve results. Training programs to develop these skills typically target rising stars and high performers. Yet organizations benefit when all employees see themselves as leaders.
Self-leadership, as it’s called, empowers individuals to be more proactive, self-reliant and accountable. Self-leaders take responsibility for their own professional development and motivate themselves to achieve organizational goals. However junior their role, they take responsibility for it.
These self-leaders can work alone or on a team. They are the professionals, the "safe pair of hands" who get things done right and on time. They may not be on a leadership track (yet). However, their fluency in crucial leadership skills benefits the organization.
Self-leadership has many facets, but junior employees can start with these core skills:
Tip #1 - Self-leaders know themselves:
Self-leadership begins with deeply understanding one's strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals. Self-awareness allows individuals to align their actions with personal and professional objectives.
Tip #2 - Self-leaders are self-starters:
Self-leaders can motivate themselves to focus, overcome roadblocks and persist in the face of challenges. They set clear goals and are driven to achieve them.
Tip #3 - Self-leaders are confident:
Believing in oneself and one's abilities is crucial for self-leadership. Confidence enables individuals to take risks, speak up and pursue growth opportunities.
Self-leaders can manage their emotions, stress and reactions effectively. They maintain a professional demeanour even in challenging situations.
Tip #5 - Self-leaders communicate well:
Employees who communicate clearly contribute more. They learn to listen to what their colleagues say, ask questions and provide feedback, key leadership traits.
"I need to listen well so that I hear what is not said." - Thuli Madonsela
These are all skills that make leaders successful. But leadership training isn’t just for leaders – these skills can also play a vital role in shaping every employee's professional behaviour and growth. And remember, the leadership team has an important role to play here. Influential leaders serve as role models, and that includes self-leadership. Employees are more likely to adopt traits like self-awareness and self-confidence when they see their leaders practicing them.
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