Leading others starts with leading yourself

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You've been doing such great work these past few months and years.  The moment you've been waiting for, been working for has arrived.  You've been promoted to be a leader!  Congratulations, all that hard work has paid off and you've finally reach the goal you've set out for yourself.

A few months into the role as the new leader, you're doubting yourself.  Things aren't as rosy as they seem, you're constantly feeling pulled in multiple directions, your team doesn't feel as engaged as you thought they would be and you're feeling drained and tired when you come home to be with your family.  What happened?  How did the perception and vision of being a leader, lead to this?  The answer might not be out there, but inward.

Often times what we imagine a life could look like doesn't match up or align to reality.  Why is that the case?  When we look at leadership and what that means, we're constantly bombarded with what an image of that leader should be from the media, movies, and culture.  What does being a leader mean?  What makes a good leader?  To start to answer that question, we need to look inwardly and think about your experience and what your values are:

• What qualities did I appreciate from a great leader I had?
• What values are important to me in life and in work?
• How would I want my team to see me as a leader?
• Who am I as an authentic leader?

When we can examine and be intentional of the type of leader you want to be, before starting to lead others, you have a framework to succeed.  Have a plan going into leadership development conversation.  Understand that the success that got you to this point in your career is not what you'll need to succeed in the next. 

• Journal your thoughts, values and aspirations of what type of leader you want to be
• Schedule check ins with yourself and your team against these ideals every 3 - 6 months
  • 'Team: one of my values as a leader is to be an effective listener, how am I doing these days?'

Being an authentic leader doesn't just stop after 5pm when you leave the office or shut down the laptop.  How are you being a leader at home?  Are you aligning what it means to be a good leader at work with being a good leader as a partner, parent, and family member?

• Check in to see if your true authentic self as a leader is the same at home and at work
  • 'Family member: one of my values as a family member and leader is to be authentic in both and not carry any baggage, stress or worry home, how am I doing these days?'

When you take the time to really reflect, look inwardly and start to lead yourself, leading others will become easier, more wholesome and passionate.  The really reason why most people want to lead is because of their desire to help people.  To make people better than they were yesterday.  And this is a great feeling and purpose to have.  But if we can’t centre ourselves, learn how to lead from our authentic heart, you are robbing that opportunity for your team.  By not bringing your best self to the team, your team will not be their best selves. 

For more on this topic of being an authentic leader, listen to our podcast interview on CoachMe Global here - https://coachme.global/podcast-blog/leading-others-leading-yourself-chris-ho-s03e01