Course 2, Discussion 2: Lead by example
Great Leadership, unsurprisingly, starts with yourself!
Practice what you preach. Lead by example. I am sure all of you heard these phrases. But why are they so iconic?
Because the journey starts with the first step and you are the person who is taking the initiative to lead -- Start a journey! So, you are the one who needs to take the first step before expecting others to do it.
To start with leading yourself, close your eyes and visualize two people: someone who inspired and encouraged you to be like them, and someone who discouraged you to be not like them.
Then, write down the good qualities of the person who inspired you as well as the qualities of the second person. You do not have to be specific with the details. Just a bulleted list.
Now, compare the list to yourself. Note the good qualities you have, the bad qualities you have, and give yourself a rating on a scale of 1-10. What we just did is identified your strengths and weaknesses and what you need in order to lead yourself. This allows you to create self-awareness.
Self-awareness is key to leading yourself in the right direction. But, leading yourself is not easy. Just being self-aware isn't enough. It's igniting the spark but not enough to catch the fire. To catch the fire, you need to be persistent with your practice, which is regular reflection. Be consistent with monitoring your efforts and holding yourself accountable.
You can't effectively lead others until you know how to lead yourself. That happens through Self-Observant Leadership: when you deeply understand your identity, compare it to your reputation (how others experience you) and then make meaning of the observations, and choose to adapt.
Exercise:
✒️ What did you learn about yourself through the given exercise?
✒️ Respond to one of your peers in this thread
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I learnt about important self awareness is. If don't know myself that much, how i can be to lead others i barely know. My first priority should be on self discovery.
I learnt that self observant cannot be overemphasized. That's the most important quality of a good leadership. If you aren't able to lead yourself, how can you lead others. Is not possible.
@Comfortablesmile
great job keep going
@Hope
I learned that its important to lead myself before I can lead others. and learned that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and we work together to build a strong system and whole.
@Rosey16
Very true. We need to lead ourselves first, before we can lead others.
@Hope
✒️ What did you learn about yourself through the given exercise?
Through this self-observatory leadership exercise, I learned some valuable lessons about myself. I realized the importance of taking initiative and being the one to start the journey. I discovered qualities that influenced me positively and negatively, and it's all because I reflected on individuals who inspired and discouraged me.
After I compared those qualities to myself, I gained insights into my strengths and weaknesses as a leader. This self-awareness helped me understand my identity and reputation better. It was a beneficial strategy to making me identify areas where I excel and areas for improvement.
The exercise also made me acknowledge the significance of self-awareness and self-leadership. By regularly reflecting on my behavior, I can make meaningful observations, derive meaning from them, and chose to adapt and grow as a leader.
Most importantly, it highlighted the role of reflection and accountability. It reminded me that self-awareness alone isn't enough; I need to constantly reflect and hold myself accountable to ignite personal growth! 😊✨
Overall, this exercise provided valuable insights into the importance of:
- Taking Initiative
- Self-reflection
- Self-awareness
- Accountability
- Constant practice in leading myself effectively
- Empowerment in making meaningful changes
- Adaptation to enhance my leadership abilities
✒️ Respond to one of your peers in this thread.
Done! 😊🌸
~ Xaverie
@Hope
What did you learn about yourself through the given exercise?
With this exercise, I have been reminded of being compassionate, open to change, courage and perservering. It also has reminded me of weaknesses I still need to work on.
@Hope
✒️ What did you learn about yourself through the given exercise?
I learned that I shouldn’t get angry about my short comings and instead focus on how I can improve those skills. I learned that I should keep trying to improve, because no one will do it for me
@HopeWhat did you learn about yourself through the given exercise?
I learnt that it is crucial to lead myself first, before leading others. That was an impactful fact!
A simple fact, yet it can change people and improve awareness!
@HopeI learned, that I have a lot more to give, I am good at talking, and helping the members. I Realise that people need to find their comfort zone. I have found mines here. I also found out that I can excel in this type of organisation, which also built my self confidence.
✒️ What did you learn about yourself through the given exercise?
Being self aware = First step
Reflection and Action = Engine for success
Be accountable to yourself, before you expect things from others
✒️ Respond to one of your peers in this thread
@Lillom
Examples in my situation:
- Start slowly, not quickly and approach things more so like a marathon/not cramming
- When encountering a roadblock, reflect on it using Kolb's and don't skip it for an easier task
@Lillom
this is great, that you have your own way of problem solving, highly commendable!
@Hope
✒️ What did you learn about yourself through the given exercise?
through this exercise, the things that i learned about myself are that i am, in all aspects of personal qualities, a perfectionist. being a perfectionist is not at all times a good thing, it leads to getting stressed out and being nervous... also, i re-learned that i am not clearly a leader and/or a follower, but i like setting a good example for others.
✒️ Respond to one of your peers in this thread
@NewYorker11
@NewYorker11
You are doing a great job my friend! I am a profecastiont as well that has some good qualities in it and no doubt some bad qualities in it! Keep up all the good work you are doing!
~ Regan
@ReganL
thanks so much for the words of encouragement friend!