Leadership - An Inside Job

I’m just coming to the end of much needed week at home with my family.  We’ve surfed, climbed Tomaree mountain and enjoyed some great moments together reconnecting.

I’m not going to lie, my week away from the daily grind was long overdue.  I’ve spent much of this year advising my team and my clients on the importance of self-care and avoiding burn out, yet here I was, hurtling from one thing to the next barely coming up for air.  Some shocking and sad news last week brought me back to reality with a harsh bump and I decided that it was time that I practised what I preach and started taking care of myself.

Often as leaders, we find ourselves dispensing advice and trying to shape and influence external factors.  But, how often do we stop to take our own advice?

Would it surprise you if I said that success and satisfaction would come more easily if you spent time focusing on yourself instead of focusing on others?

While sitting in loungerooms with my clients and working shoulder to shoulder ( at 1.5 m ) with my team these last few months, I’ve come to realise that great leaders can only lead others to the extent that we lead ourselves.

Lao Tzu famously said that “Mastering others is strength but mastering yourself is true power.” And I couldn’t agree more.

My journey inwards has focused on 3 key areas.  I’m sharing these with you today in the hope that my insights might guide you towards more fulfilment and help you flourish as a leader.

1. Purpose

The sense of being part of something greater than myself has helped me stay on track, drive change and stay buoyant when the universe throws a curveball. It used to be that profits came first and purpose second but a recent Harvard and EY study showed that purpose not only motivates and engages employees but also increases the bottom line.

On a personal level, leading from a place of purpose has helped me build connection and trust with my clients and forge lasting relationships.

2. Presence

With the constant noise of the world, let’s be honest, it’s easy to be distracted!  Our inner voices often mean we’re listening but not present.  A simple 10-minute daily practice in mindfulness has proven to be an optimal strategy to create a better connection and improve performance. But, if like many people I talk to, you find the idea of meditation excruciating, this article in Harvard Business Review might have a few tips that help.

3. Perception

“By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.” – Confucius

Self-reflection might feel harder than a 10-minute meditation, but carving out time to interrogate yourself, your strengths, weakness and behavioural patterns will accelerate your leadership skills and help you understand your team and your clients.

I like to set time aside each week to review my leadership actions against my core values.  My values are a set of standards that I use as a measuring stick for my behaviour and intentions, I see these as my true north and checking in each week keeps me in alignment and on track.

I’d love to hear about your daily practices to becoming a stronger leader, leave me a note in the comments or send me a note to: contact@chrishenry.com.au

Now time for me to get back to the last few relaxing moments of my holiday!