The Step-By-Step Guide to Leadership Excellence
Self-knowledge stands as the most direct pathway to leadership for business and organizational leaders, but despite this significance, it tends to receive limited consideration in executive and leadership development, which makes one wonder why it is so? This article highlights eight ways leaders can maintain a progressive and constant pursuit of self-knowledge in their leadership journey.
To answer the above question, two thoughts demand consideration: The first being that the journey to self-knowledge necessitates a deep engagement with one's inner self, a practice that is uncommon in workplace cultures. The second is that because the pioneers in people development were disconnected from performance-driven environments, they lacked exposure, which may have caused them to underappreciate the value of the tools used for facilitating introspection.
As a result, leadership training and development has tended to be shaped by psychological tests, with insufficient consideration for perspectives on human development, career management, interpersonal influence, and work-life balance, and so deprived the sector from benefiting optimally. The effort to build on this foundation in employee development must be borne from the perspective that collaboration with diverse teams enables harmonization of fragmented insights to achieve higher performance
Self-Assessment
As a process for determining the leader’s development status at predetermined points, self-assessment is necessary for periodic data collection along the way and to enhance the growth of leaders. The significance of the multiple “baseline” information cannot be understated as they provide insights for growth driven decisions.
Throughout history, the timeless phrase "know thyself", a synonym for self-reflection has been woven through the teachings of ancient writers and thinkers, including the Greeks in their books and on their temple gates, as well as in Christian writings. Notably, Shakespeare contemplated this maxim as a subject for serious moral and religious reflection.
The expression was used in diverse ways to shape human thinking. Chaucer expresses it in a way that highlights its relevance, while Browning observes that "Truth is within ourselves." Pope, on the other hand recognized that wisdom lies in knowing oneself, stating, "Full wise is he that can himself know." Montaigne pondered the correlation between self-awareness and understanding one's functions and powers. St. Exupery emphasized that each individual must seek self-knowledge to comprehend the meaning of life, and finally, Lao Tzu asserted that self-knowledge serves as the source of our abilities.
Also resonating with this wisdom are contemporary thinkers. Emerson discerned the purpose of life as acquainting man with himself. Bennis acknowledged that letting the self-emerge is the essential task of leaders, and Covey aptly summarized, "Real success is success with self.
Strengthen the Effectiveness of a Road Map with other Tools
On the journey to self-knowledge, akin to navigating with road maps, GPS, or enquiring from pedestrians (in less technologically advanced regions), executives may use psychological and emotional maps. Nevertheless, these descriptions may remain largely incomplete. Therefore to enhance self-knowledge, input from multiple tools and perspectives prove invaluable.
360 - Degrees Feedback
The 360 - degrees feedback is one tool that embodies the capacity to provide a comprehensive data for leadership development. While it plays a pivotal role in executive development, relying solely on external perceptions may undermine authentic self-awareness. Complementary tools must be employed to bridge gaps and address misconceptions. The 360-degree feedback, along with other development tools, must be harnessed to identify gaps and enhance executive skills and performance
Accessing Your Innate Capacity is Unlocking Your True Potential
Rather than attempting to change people externally, a valuable investment lies in guiding individuals to grow through self-understanding. Executives possess untapped potential, akin to a powerful sports car. To unleash their full capacity, they must first explore their "owner's manual," delving into their strengths, preferences, failures and aspirations, among others and in so doing unlock their true potential.
Take Only Essentials with You
Executive level attainment is the culmination of various academic and professional pursuits. But amidst the abundance of academic theories and external information, a focus on simple and practical tools for daily organizational operations proves paramount. Foremost among these is self-knowledge and its optimal application. Without discounting the valuable insights external perspectives may trigger, they must not substitute the pursuit of self-awareness. Following the leadership journey, contextualizing lessons and training team members take precedence.
Maintain Capacity through Periodic Topping Up
The leader's capacity necessitates periodic topping up, blending both internal and external perspectives. To transcend preoccupation and underperformance, greater self-understanding must identify and address inner needs. This involves reflection, action, and consideration of factors like sleep patterns, diet, and the social environment. Executives can only give more when they possess more.
Be Present in the Moment
True self-knowledge holds immeasurable value for anyone seeking a profound connection with their inner selves. This experience thrives in quiet locations free from distractions, enabling deep reflection to generate self-discovery, fostering exceptional and transformative learning. Coaching serves as an invaluable catalyst, aiding coachees in achieving outstanding results attributed to the industry.
Success is the Product of the Right Decisions and Tools
Instruments ensure a safe and pleasant journey while traveling. Similarly, self-knowledge is not attained through a single action but it is the outcome of applying multiple instruments or measures. Dispelling the illusion of a singular tool's protection, success emanates from decisions made by self-aware executives, supported by a myriad of tools such as profound personal insights, team leadership, and expert consultation to achieve high performance. Ongoing professional engagements, particularly coaching, provide leaders with essential insights to ensure continuous growth.
There are many forms of leadership, each unique to the individual. Awakening and fostering authentic connections within leaders have transformative effects for both leaders and their organizations, presenting a game-changing opportunity for growth and success.