Exhibiting Personal Leadership
“In matters of style, swim with the current, in matters of principle, stand like a rock.”
Thomas Jefferson. (attributed)
We hear so much nowadays about leadership. Most people tend to think of leadership as leading a company or department or a project but the more I work with clients the more I am convinced that leadership works at an individual level as well.
In fact, as we continue to grapple with the many changes and challenges facing us in business and in our personal lives, personal leadership is more important than ever. Buffeted by fear, cynicism and insecurity the solutions we seek lie within us.
Personal leadership and self esteem come from a way of thinking and living. It’s about being truly connected to whatever you are doing. It’s a life style, placing emphasis on people, not just on the bottom line. It’s about working with your head and leading your heart, looking for the win-win and sharing rather than going only for win-lose.
People who live a personal leadership style are open to change and collaboration. They thrive on synergism. They believe things can get better, even in uncertain times and easily adapt to diversity. They are confidant and have high energy levels that come from positive thoughts and feelings rather than negative thoughts and cynicism.
Personal leadership is about respecting and valuing yourself – and others, constantly striving to reduce fear, increase hope and creating results with integrity.
First and foremost, though, personal leadership is about finding your own vision, defining your purpose and putting it into action – singing your own song, not humming along to someone else’s.
It is never easy… but, hey, who said life was easy?