09 Feb 5 Hacks for Self-Leadership in 2017

With the changing nature of the corporate landscape, we are faced with the ongoing requirement to continuously reinvent ourselves, outperform and exceed expectations at a personal level. More commonly, we need to look for intrinsic motivation to achieve success.

Never-before has there been a time where the skill-sets of generational leaders are more diversified. Whether you are a millennial entrepreneur scaling a start-up, a Gen X ‘intrapreneur’ looking to mentor change within an organization, or an established CEO,  the way we ‘master’ ourselves has evolved.  Here are 5 hacks to help you achieve greater height in self-leadership for 2017.

1) REFLECTION

‘We should only look back to see how far we have come’; consider this as your mantra in 2017.  Ensure that your diary includes time for self-reflection and, if necessary, goal realignment. Be introspective and take the time to check-in with yourself …consider it like conducting a ‘personal audit’.

Contemplate the following:

• What were my greatest achievements today?
• Do I make the most of my day?
• Do I love myself enough?
• Am I achieving my personal goals?
• What is out of my control, and therefore I can discard?
• Am I grateful?

2) AGILITY – PREPARE FOR ITERATION

Be prepared and embrace change, to alter course and potentially change trajectory.  Don’t be disheartened; look for the opportunity in any new challenges and paths. Say ‘yes’ and enjoy the ride!

Check out Derek Huether’s ‘Principals of Personal Agility’, they may inspire you to write your own.

PRINCIPLES OF PERSONAL AGILITY

My highest priority is to satisfy myself and then others through early and continuous delivery of valuable outcomes.

Welcome requests, even late in the day.

Agility harnesses change for my competitive advantage.

Deliver outcomes frequently, from a couple of hours to a couple of days, with a preference to the shorter timescale.

Work together with others daily.

Outcomes are completed by me being motivated.

Get the environment and support I need, and get the job done.

The most efficient and effective method of conveying information to and from others is face-to-face conversation.

Outcomes are the primary measure of progress.

Agile processes promote sustainable outcomes.

I need to maintain a constant pace indefinitely.

Continuous attention to technical excellence and craftsmanship enhances my agility.

Simplicity–the art of maximizing the amount of outcomes–is essential.

The best outcomes emerge from me being a self-organized individual.

At regular intervals, reflect on how I can become more effective, then tune and adjust my behavior accordingly

3) CONTINUE TO LEARN

Put yourself in ‘beta mode’ and change your mindset to adapt a lifetime of continuous learning.

‘Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere’. Chinese Proverb

In the 2016 Deloitte study, Global Human Capital Trends 2016, 84% of the respondents cited learning as being either important or very important. However, the study also notes that in today’s intensely competitive talent market, the C-suite clearly understands that companies that do not constantly upgrade skills and rapidly build leaders will not be able to execute their business plans.  They also identify that the ‘learning curve is the earning curve’.

With this in mind, what else can you do to develop you skillset both personally and professionally?  Is it time to learn a new skill, master a language, or embark on a leadership program?  The options for MOOCs and online courses such as Cudoo are endless, making learning more accessible and convenient that ever before.

4) PROMOTE YOUR STRENGTHS

But first, understand what they are! Consider writing a personal bio and highlight your accolades and experience; why not update your social media profiles while you are at it?  Interview yourself and take the time to reflect on your achievements. As CEO of WP Engine, Heather Brunner explains in her Huffington Post interview, ‘Don’t be afraid to lean in to your super powers, and GO BIG’! Your personal ‘tool-kit’ is testament to your hard work and determination.

You may surprise yourself and be able to add a unique ‘side-hustle’ to your credentials.  Perhaps by teaching a second language, writing blogs, managing events, volunteering or mentoring.  Your journey to ‘self-leadership’ may open up a new career in 2017.

5) BE BOLD

Richard Branson famously promotes ‘If you don’t make bold moves, the world doesn’t move forward’.

Continue to ask why? Experiment. Be an Innovator.  Seek out new and better ways for yourself and those around you.  People will ‘believe what you believe’.  These words can inspire your journey of self-leadership, which in turn, will provide you with a very different approach to the year ahead.

Start your journey of self-leadership by venturing into language learning today!