3 Leadership Truths

Being a leader is about finding and sharing the truth.

Setting a True Course

I know people who put a tremendous amount of energy into taking the steps they need to gain leadership positions. They have a career plan and target dates for the career moves they need to make to become the leaders they want to be.

I have been that kind of person.

The truth is that it is the obstacles and challenges that help us become the leaders we have the potential to be.

Finding My True Self

I wanted to be perceived as an effective leader, but I did not perceive myself that way. I did not know my own deepest, truest self.

It took a lot of time and effort, learning and growing, to begin to recognize and appreciate who I really am. Coming to know my true self includes letting go of a lot of masks that distract and hide the deepest, most important aspects of who I am. It is painful at times, but I would not go back.

It is only as I get to know and spend time with my own truth that I am able to find the kind of leader I have the potential to become.

Speaking Truth into the Lives of Others

As I spend the time and effort to know myself more deeply, I gain insight into how I can lead myself and other people. Slowly but surely, drop by drop, experience and education distill down into wisdom. People tell me their stories and we discover the core values we share. I listen to them, they listen to me, and we work together on goals that move us toward our vision.

Because I have spent the time and effort to know myself, I can become the leader I always wanted to be.

How are you shaping your leadership today?

[Image by quapan]