Effective Leadership Begins with Knowing Yourself

When she was five my niece, Riley, launched a question to the front seat of the car. “What is a self? What does it mean when I say, myself?”

by Dr. Barbara Mark, CEO Full Circle Institute

Dr. Barbara Mark

“That one is for you, Auntie Babs,” remarked my sister, looking relieved to have me along for this particular ride. This question started a conversation between my niece and myself that continued over dinner that night and included her nine-year-old brother.

To Do Anything Well…You Must Know Yourself

We talked a lot about knowing oneself, about likes and dislikes, about preferences and values. It is the kind of conversation that continues with my clients as we explore their experience of leadership.

Riley observed, accurately, that in order to do anything well you must really know yourself. You must know what you like to do and how far you want to take it. You must know what makes you happy and what does not. You must know what makes you feel strong and what depletes your energy. 

At this point, Riley was exploring her commitment to soccer and was noticing what makes her a better player. Her brother, Patrick, chimed in with insights about why he likes to write and how he wishes to enlighten and entertain people with his writing.

Both Riley and Patrick are bright, bold and curious people, and great models for anyone in a position of leadership. They are learning about themselves, as you must – by self-exploration.

Self-Exploration  Leads to Effective Leadership

No one can teach you about you and how to be yourself. However, through conversation and a willingness to reveal yourself to yourself and to others,  you get to know who you are and what’s important to you. Knowing yourself will clarify what direction you want to take and how you to get there.

It is through this ongoing process of self-revelation that you are able to be an effective leader. Without this, you are rudderless as will be your organization.

Begin the Process with these Questions

Ask yourself now:

Who am I?
How do I know that?
How do I feel?
How do I reveal myself to myself moment by moment?
How do I see myself in my actions and my interactions with others?
Where do I want to go?
What impact do I want to have on others and on the world?
What energizes me?
What depletes my energy?
What brings me joy?
What triggers me?
What increases my ability to think creatively?
What shuts me down?

Riley and Patrick are nine and thirteen now. Riley plays soccer with passion. Patrick has written his second book and has sent it to a publisher. They continue to inspire me. Who will you inspire today?

Barbara Mark, Ph.D. is the CEO and Founder of Full Circle Institute. FCI is a leadership development company for female executives. Dr. Mark is a thought leader in the area of Women in Leadership and Leadership for the Future. She has been working with women in business for nearly three decades and is committed to the advancement of women for the good of all. You can learn more by visiting Full Circle Institute.

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Posted on 17. Mar, 2010 by SFWJ in Leadership

Tags: Career, highlight, Know Yourself, Leadership, work/life balance