Who Is Leading You?

Have you ever thought about who is actually responsible for leading you?

Not a position above you, your spouse, best friend, etc.

It’s on you.

After taking a hard look in the mirror, I’m pretty sure you are your harshest critic.

But that’s not the end of the story (if it was it’d be a depressing one…).

In fact, this is the beginning.

If the statement, “everything rises and falls on leadership” is true then it’s time for self-reflection.

Leadership is defined by getting things done through people.

But at the core of leadership is you, the leader.

How can you expect to lead others if you can’t lead yourself first?

(Don’t worry this is not a lecture.)

Just like your career is be an extension of who you are, your leadership is a mixture of values, strengths and character.

I’ve observed that the best leaders work on themselves first.

The content they teach tends to be something they learned through experience.

Essentially they’re sharing what they learned firsthand as a student.

Aren’t those the leaders we respect the most?

• The ones who strive to help you avoid mistakes they made already.

• They’re willing to freely give away their knowledge without anything expected in return.

• People who invest their time into you because they truly care.

That’s the type of leader you and I inspire to be.

But instead of picturing someone else, why can’t that person be you?

Maybe you’re not where you want to be at the moment.

Don’t let that be an excuse.

Leadership is a journey, not a destination.

Anyone who says otherwise is fooling themselves.

The question is, “how are you working on yourself?”

Please don’t mix this up with “self-care.”

No, I’m talking about what areas are you hungry to improve upon.

Growth is like traveling on a downward moving escalator.

If you’re not growing forward, you’re going backwards (staying still counts as backwards too).

If this sounds daunting or overwhelming that’s okay.

There are many things in life you don’t want to do, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do them.

Follow your heart is terrible advice (the Bible has the answer why).

Emotions are fleeting and just because you’re not feeling motivated isn’t an excuse for a lack of effort.

Being disciplined is about choosing to do something regardless of how you feel.

If you can push through that, you can push through most things.

So take some time for self-evaluation as a leader.

It doesn’t matter if you have the title currently or not.

You still have to lead yourself before you start leading others.

As a visual, what’s inside your “cup” is poured into those under your care.

• If you’re “full,” you give from your excess (ideal).

• If you’re on “empty,” (dry) there’s nothing to give.

When your focus is on self-leadership it helps keep you humble.

You’re setting an example for others by action, not just words.

I’m hoping this post caused you to look inwardly to identify areas of improvement.

I know I tend to emphasize strengths a lot, but figuring out where to shore up weaknesses goes a long way in development.

If this content resonated with you, reply to this email and I’m here to help with next steps.

Aim to be that leader you wish you had.

God Bless,

Scott 

P.S. Speaking of personal strengths…let me go off about it below 😂