Self-Leadership and Self-Management

Mat 7:2 For with whatever judgment you judge, you shall be judged; and with whatever measure you measure out, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why do you look on the splinter that is in your brother's eye, but do not consider the beam that is in your own eye?

Self-leadership is about recognizing opportunities for growth, learning and gaining insights in your own life. Self-leadership is about educating yourself – it is a learning behavior. How does one become truly self-leading? There are a number of aspects to self-leadership:

 Personal values
 Intentions (knowing your purpose)
 Behavior
 Vision Skills to recognize opportunities to contribute and to influence others to contribute.

Self-awareness
2Ti 2:15 Study earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

Knowing yourself is crucial to your own development. Self-awareness is about knowing and understanding your own values, intentions, strengths and weaknesses. It is a deep understanding and commitment to learning and growth.
Lack of awareness and unwillingness to be influenced by others through feedback are two of the main reasons for personal failures. We are unwilling to listen to others’ feedback regarding our flaws. Willingness to listening to feedback from our supporters and our critics is the first step to self-awareness.

Self-awareness through feedback
A very simple, yet effective 360-degree self-assessment is “Stop, Start, Continue.” Ask your manager, peers and direct reports to give you constructive feedback on what you have to stop doing; start doing and continue to do.

Personal vision and intention
Hab 2:3 For the vision is still for an appointed time, but it speaks to the end, and it does not lie. Though it lingers, wait for it; because it will surely come. It will not tarry.

Having a clear and compelling vision of what you want and the intention to develop and learn are crucial components of self-leadership. Developing a personal vision requires taking time to deeply reflect upon your own needs and desires.

Self-leaders are always aware of what is required of them by their professions and organisations. A deep understanding of and full participation in the development of your career creates a sense of engagement and purposeful intent without which the work of developing as a self-leader would be meaningless.

A SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) is an ideal way of understanding the evolving environment of your career and discovering the competencies you need to excel.

Continuously striving to develop your character and behaviors is the key to self-leadership. The willingness to develop from within, through a process of self-discovery and learning, creates the most powerful and lasting changes.

Gal 6:9 But we should not lose heart in well-doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not faint.