Inspired Leadership requires SELF MANAGEMENT. This second characteristic of Inspired leadership is defined as the ability to manage one’s internal states, impulses, reactions, responses and resources.
Have you ever encountered a leader who was described as charismatic, strategic and incredibly smart yet is explosive or unpredictable? We have encountered many and have seen first-hand that the impact of leaders who are not able to manage themselves “from the inside out” in organizations is almost always demotivating for others working with them, and, at its worst, toxic.
Here’s are the key element of Self Management:
- Self-Awareness and Observation – Awareness of how you come across and how you are impacting others
- Emotional Control – Keeping disruptive emotions in check
- Transparency – Maintaining integrity, acting in congruence with one’s values (walking your talk)
- Adaptability – Flexibility in handling change
- Achievement Orientation – Striving to improve or meet a standard of excellence and not letting one’s self off the hook for undesirable behavior
- Initiative – Readiness to act on opportunities and take action when necessary
- Optimism – Persistence in pursuing goals despite setbacks and obstacles
- Continuous Self Improvement – Constant attention to “how do I want to show up?” before interactions; “how did I do?” after an interaction and “what shift/change in me (inner state) or in my actions (behaviors) can I make to improve/enhance my self-management?”
What would your employees say about your self-management skills? What do you do well? Where can you improve? What we know to be true is that a leader can have all the smarts in the world but if they aren’t able to successfully manage themselves and work effectively with others, few will follow them and even fewer will respect them. To be inspirational, know and manage thyself well!
