Start By Leading Yourself

Author Debasish Mridha once wisely stated, “If you cannot lead yourself, how can you lead others? Before leading others, you have to lead yourself first.” Similarly, Israelmore Ayivor proclaimed, “Go out and lead the world; but never forget to begin by leading yourself first at home. You can’t lead the environment if you can’t lead yourself in it.” These sentiments underscore the foundational importance of self-leadership. Tom Watson, former IBM CEO, emphasized, “Nothing so conclusively proves a man’s ability to lead others as what he does on a day-to-day basis to lead himself.”  These insights highlight the essential role of self-leadership in effective leadership.

Indeed, self-leadership hinges on recognizing that the only person we can truly control is ourselves. Just like a stubborn child deciding whether to pick up toys despite warnings, we always have choices. From the simplest decisions like getting out of bed to more complex ones involving work responsibilities, our choices carry consequences.

Bryant and Kazan, in their book “Self Leadership,” outline four pillars of self-leadership: self-discovery, self-acceptance, self-management, and self-growth. These pillars encompass knowing oneself, embracing strengths and flaws, finding balance, and fostering curiosity and understanding.

Self-leadership serves as the bedrock of all leadership. Whether you’re a seasoned executive or just starting your career journey, the ability to lead yourself is paramount.

At Sams Fischer Professional Edge, we’re committed to assisting clients in this journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and growth. Let us support you in realizing your full potential.

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Wishing you the best as you take your next steps toward having a Professional Edge.