Jon Michail is Founder & Group CEO of Image Group International & best-selling author of Life Branding. Follow him on LinkedIn & Twitter.
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Have you ever been on a road trip where the driver had no clue where they were headed? There was confusion, detours and maybe some lost tempers, right? That's what life feels like without self-leadership.
Before we even think about directing the team, we have to figure out our compass, our jam. I remember back in the day trying to lead my team without really understanding myself—and it was a hot mess express!
Self-leadership isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the prequel to that blockbuster called team leadership. Let’s take this journey together, and by the end, I promise you'll see why getting your own house in order is the first step to leading the block.
Finding Your North Star In The Chaos
It was a summer in the early ’80s and I was backpacking through Europe, all fresh-faced and eager. One lazy afternoon in the winding streets of Rome, I made a classic rookie mistake: I ditched my map.
Confidence level 100, right? Well, fast-forward an hour, and I was lost in a maze of cobblestones with zero Italian in my vocab except for "pizza" and "gelato." Classic me!
This was way before Google Maps could bail me out, so it was just me and my instincts. Now, the twist: That aimless wandering, the uncertainty? It was the universe schooling me in self-leadership.
Sometimes, you have to lose your way to find your true direction. It was less about the streets of Rome and more about navigating the alleys of life. If you can't lead yourself out of a bind, how are you going to lead others? Lesson learned: Always find your North Star, even in the chaos.
Setting The Pace For Your Personal Growth
Now, journey with me to my college days—those wild, caffeine-fueled nights before finals. While everyone seemed to have their life mapped out, I was on the struggle bus, driving it!
Caught between the "Who am I?" existential crisis and "Will I ever adult right?" it felt like I was constantly stuck at a crossroads.
With salt-and-pepper hair and tattoos of wisdom from life's many battles, there was a guy I knew who was the Yoda to my Skywalker. One lazy afternoon, as the golden sun streamed into the old library, he dropped this gem: "Steer your ship before you invite others on board." Mind. Blown.
It wasn't about nailing exams or getting top grades. It was a call to step up, to take charge, to lead oneself. My journey from zero to hero wasn’t overnight. But by recognizing my flaws, celebrating the small wins and setting the pace for my personal growth, I started my transformation.
And that's the essence of self-leadership. It's that internal compass guiding you from "I can't" to "Watch me."
Leading Your Daily Narrative
Now, let's switch up the vibes a bit. I’m throwing it back to those high school days, vibing with my crew, thinking we ruled the world. But here’s where it gets real: Amid the laughter, I was at times a certified procrastinator. Yup, always thinking "I'll do it tomorrow." One day, my best mate, Archie, hit me with this: "You gotta check yourself before you wreck yourself."
Man, did that hit hard! It wasn't about the algebra homework I kept pushing off; it was deeper. It was about taking control, setting my pace and owning up. Before we even dream of leading a team, we need to lead our daily narrative.
Archie's words were like that splash of cold water on a groggy morning: a wake-up call! Self-leadership starts with accountability and, sometimes, a friend's great advice. Always remember to check in with yourself.
Reflecting On Your Personal Growth: The Mirror Test
Have you ever had one of those mornings where you’re face-to-face with the mirror and it feels like more than just a routine reflection? This happened to me just the other day. As I was gearing up for a big client team meeting, that mirror moment wasn't about fixing my tie or getting my hair just right.
Instead, it was a stark reminder: Before I step up to guide my team, have I checked in with the person staring back at me? Self-leadership begins with that inner acknowledgment: Knowing your worth, recognizing your growth and owning your most intelligent version of yourself.
The mirror doesn't lie, and if you can face yourself with pride, knowing you're doing your best, then leading others becomes a more genuine endeavor. Self-assured? Check. Ready to lead? Double-check.
Walking The Talk: Being Authentic With Others
Dive into this memory with me: I'm at this networking event, feeling out of place amid all the corporate lingo and polished shoes. Enter this one leader, no pretense, just raw authenticity. And, boy, did he command the room!
That interaction was a lightbulb moment. Self-leadership isn't just about strategies and tools; it's about being real with yourself, which means being authentic with others. It's about understanding your core values and then radiating that confidence.
It's less about the swagger in your step and more about the truth in your talk. Being genuine isn't a strategy; it's a way of life. And when you're 100% you? That’s when you truly lead, both yourself and others. Keep it real, always.
Stitching The Pieces: The Final Thought
So here we are, at the crossroads of reflection and action. From that humbling mirror check, the grounding beats of life's soundtrack, to the absolute game-changer of setting boundaries and embracing authenticity—this journey of self-leadership isn't a straight path. It's like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle, each lesson a unique piece.
But let's keep it real: It starts and ends with you. Before stepping into the big leagues of leading teams or movements, take a beat. Check in with numero uno. 'Cause if you can't lead yourself with conviction, passion and authenticity, the rest? It's just background noise. Lace up, step forward and be your compass.
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