Leading from Within
In the dynamic landscape of 2024, the concept of leadership has transcended traditional paradigms. Leadership today is not merely about external strategies and charisma; it’s a journey within. This starts with a desire for self-awareness, embracing your core values, and development of emotional professionalism.
While a staggering 95% believe they possess self-awareness, research reveals that only 15% genuinely exhibit it. My interaction with conscious leaders affirms my theory that authentic self-awareness is not a ‘one and done’ achievement but rather – a lifestyle choice. This commitment not only inspires those you lead but also sets the stage for a culture of accountability. And we need that more than ever as we head into 2024.
The Human Touch
While it may be feasible to automate technical aspects of work, the ability to leverage personable talents and the human touch is even more critical. Successful business demands the cultivation of skills and attributes such as emotional intelligence, communication, interpersonal problem-solving, high-level strategy, and thought leadership.
Are your leaders confident in having difficult conversations and effective confrontations? Are they skilled in giving and receiving feedback, listening actively, and demonstrating empathy? Believe it or not, these skills can be difficult. You can support them by passing on your tendency to self-reflect and continually develop.
Consistent and purposeful reflection will help you and your leadership team point your compass in the right direction. To amplify this clarity, you need to have solid values to anchor to.
Clear values, clear results
Identifying your leadership values involves introspection on what is most crucial in guiding your actions as a leader. You can start by reflecting on past experiences. Think about the leaders you have admired and pinpoint moments where you felt most aligned with your values. Prioritise these qualities, seek feedback, and evaluate decisions through the lens of your core beliefs.
In my coaching work, I find that leaders begin with a belief that they are well aware of their core values, only to realise this is not entirely true. A deliberate and focused line of questioning always leads to the same response -: a sense of wonder at how much clarity about your values can positively impact all areas of your life, not just in leadership. Understanding your values sheds light on the reasons behind your actions and thoughts, making sense of many aspects of both your personal and professional life.
Take it from us – the path to personal growth is full of twists and turns. When things seem uncertain, it’s easy to get thrown off course. Your values are your north star guiding every decision. They will keep you on task.
Emotional Professionalism: A Key Component
Emotional Professionalism is the ability to navigate the emotional landscapes of yourself and others while maintaining a professional demeanor. This includes managing personal biases, understanding team dynamics, and responding to challenges with emotional intelligence. Developing this skill is a vital part of our Leadership Essentials course and it starts with self-awareness.
Leadership Essentials Course
Our Leadership Essentials course acknowledges the unpredictable path to personal growth, providing a comprehensive toolkit, techniques, and reflection time. Identifying and integrating values into leadership is a key focus. For those curious about developing leaders, our holistic approach recognizes that 2024’s leadership excellence demands a profound internal journey.
Book a complimentary discovery to explore how we can cultivate and develop your leaders.