The Bedrock of Influence: Why Self-Leadership is Non-Negotiable (Lessons from John Maxwell)
Just returned from a powerful leadership conference with John Maxwell, and as always, I'm buzzing with renewed energy and focus. It's striking how often we discuss culture in workplaces and teams, yet we often overlook the foundational element: self-leadership.
John's emphasis on personal development has been a guiding light for me since the early '90s when I first read "Becoming a Person of Influence." To this day, I believe we underestimate the profound impact of investing in our own internal leadership.
What is Self-Leadership?
It's not just about acquiring skills to influence others; it's about the deliberate, consistent effort we put into developing ourselves internally. It's about asking:
What activities am I prioritizing for my personal growth?
How am I nurturing my mind, body, and spirit?
Am I carving out time for reflection and strategic thinking?
Am I investing in my relationships?
Why Self-Leadership Matters, Especially for Coaches:
As we build profitable coaching practices, we understand that our ability to add value to others is paramount. But here's the truth: if we neglect our own self-leadership, we limit our capacity to lead others effectively.
Think of it this way: you can't pour from an empty cup.
The Journey, Not the Destination:
Self-leadership is a continuous journey, not a destination. It's about embracing a mindset of lifelong learning. Each book, each conversation, each experience offers a new perspective, a fresh angle.
Just like scripture can resonate differently as we mature, our understanding of leadership evolves with time. We gain deeper insights, refine our approaches, and discover new levels of impact.
Making Self-Leadership a Priority:
The key takeaway? Prioritize self-leadership.
Invest time and energy in developing yourself in the areas that truly matter:
Your Body: Prioritize health and well-being.
Your Mind: Engage in continuous learning and critical thinking.
Your Spirit: Nurture your inner self and values.
Your Relationships: Cultivate meaningful connections.
Your Business: Develop your skills and strategic vision.
The more we invest in ourselves, the greater our opportunity to create a significant impact—not only for ourselves but for the countless individuals we serve.
John Maxwell reminds us that leadership starts from within. Let's commit to leading ourselves well, and watch the ripple effects transform our lives and businesses.
Key Takeaways:
Self-leadership is the foundation of effective leadership.
Invest in your personal growth across all areas of your life.
View self-leadership as a continuous journey of learning and discovery.
Prioritize self-leadership to maximize your impact.
Let's all take some time this week to invest in our own self leadership.
