Leadership is influence. We all have influence with someone somewhere, thus we are all leaders. Your leadership may not be official, public or elected but you are a leader. You may not lead from behind a microphone but someone is listening. You may not be standing in front of many, but someone is watching.
It may be a colleague. Or a sibling. Or a child. It may be a neighbour whose name you do not even remember but someone is being influenced by you somewhere. You are a leader. And it would be great if you could become a better leader. Not necessarily to lead more people or in higher places but merely to be more effective in exercising your influence. Even if you do not aspire to any kind of public or formal leadership this is a worthy goal.
Whatever type of leadership you are aspiring to I want to give you a tip that will help you become a better leader. All leadership starts here and we all carry this responsibility. It is what we call 'personal leadership'.
This term refers to how you lead yourself. All the things you need to do to lead others well, you also need to do with yourself. However, often we work very hard at being a good leader to everyone but ourselves. We neglect our leadership of self.
The book of Proverbs says this:
It is better to win control over yourself than over whole cities.
Pro 16:32b GNB
Today I want to encourage you to take all the leadership principles you understand and apply in all the roles you fulfil and apply it on yourself.
- Do you know where you are going?
- Do you know what you are trying to accomplish?
- Do you have a plan?
- Are you monitoring and evaluating your progress?
- Do you encourage and motivate yourself?
Big question
Would you consider leading any team without doing any of the above?
Why would you even consider doing any less for yourself?
