This is a saying I’ve vocalized for many years.
This is more than just a focused statement for me. It’s a value based approach I’ve lived for many years now. “Lead Yourself, Lead Others, Lead the Leaders.”
I first introduced this statement in the first version of “The Power of Leadership in Business Networking”.
Initially, this theme was just a chapter in the book. I was talking about how to really be a leader when you are networking. In that approach to building your business, there really is a flow to how a person builds credibility in order to get referrals.
Over the last few years however, I have really come to understand the depth of this statement. In all aspects of our life, if we are truly going to be our best, walk with integrity of body, mind and self; if we are to live a balanced, fulfilled life, understanding the importance of this ‘flow of leadership’ is important.
I personally believe that the majority of people in our country are living a life that is not in true harmony between their inner self and their outer self. Too many people are living under a shield of ‘survival’ without knowing it. Their inner self yearns for one type of life, yet their outer self resides in a world, a way of living, based on other people’s beliefs and values.
How do I know this? I lived that way for years too. I have also learned how to let go of other people’s beliefs for me – and learn to embrace what are really my core beliefs, value systems and vision for my businesses, my life. Now I love to help others make that same transformation.
Mind you, I recognize that not every single person experiences this disconnect. I have met people who are blessed from a very young age to know who they are, know what they were born to do, and have had a support system around them to help make that happen. I love meeting people like this because it gives me a different perspective about life.
However, in my world, the majority of the people I coach, teach, consult with, are not in alignment. They struggle with things like: lack of health, (too much weight, too many meds, and increasing health issues due to their body being out of balance.). I work with people who had a vision for themselves, but gave it up to the dreams and input of others around them. Then there are others who are visionary, and always on the go- but are not sure how to create a team around them to make their vision a reality. They are great at doing, but not clear on how to inspire others to do the same.
In all these situations, the mindset (mantra? value system? concept?) of Lead yourself, Lead Others, Lead Leaders comes into play.
Whether your life is out of balance with your physicals (your body), your way of thinking or perceiving things (mind), and in your day to day profession (business)- the way to make a change that is lasting is to first slow down and make the commitment to: Lead Yourself.
What area(s) in your life need to get into a state of balance and vitality first?
Do you lack health? You know you do if you are overweight, have many health symptoms and are unable to operate at peak performance. All these ‘symptoms’ are ‘tells’ from your body that it needs attention from you. To be your best for others, you must be your best for yourself first.
How you think affects all you do. This is a deep subject (One I’ve written about before), and will write about again. Your thinking encompasses more than just your day to day conscious thoughts. It gets into the deep, stored thoughts, beliefs and ideas you may not even recognize are the filters of your thinking. Your thoughts dictate your actions, words and choices.
To lead yourself, not only might you need to change habits that relate to your physicals, but you might need to change your habits of your thinking.
Yes, this is not always easy or comfortable- but the outcome, the benefit of taking the time to learn to lead yourself so you live a life that is full of vitality, optimal health, resonate with an inner peace that shows in all your actions, words and outcomes- is worth every step of growth and temporary discomfort you may feel when letting go of old habits and beliefs.
To lead yourself takes time. The good news is: for lasting results, if you have the right kind of support in your life, you can experience a transformation wherein the journey is just as rewarding as arriving at the end destination.
When you understand and experience how to make changes in how you live, you then can inspire others. You begin to lead others – often as simple as them watching you. When your thoughts, words and actions are in alignment; and when your inner and outer you are aligned- the power of you choices and way you present yourself each day- is remarkably motivating for others to do the same.
Finally, you can reach a point of leading leaders if you so choose.
I do my best to live in a state of integrity of the inner and outer me, aligned with my vision and values. I do not claim to be the expert that knows everything, but I do coach, teach and train from a place of experiential compassion, understanding and patience. Along my journey I’ve discovered tools, systems and resources that can help you thrive in Body, Mind and Business.
What area in your life or profession would benefit by improving your thoughts, actions, words?
- Do you seek optimal health (without drugs, deprivation, ‘dieting’?) If so, let’s talk.
- Do you seek to be a better leader in your life or business? If so, let’s talk.
- Are you already leading and you want to improve results with your time and efforts in your business so that you are more profitable and have more money? If so, let’s talk.
As we delve into how to be a leader when networking, the real depth of understanding of “Lead Yourself, Lead Others, Lead Leaders” will be revealed.
Filed under: Business Growth, Business Networking, leadership, Leadership Development, Leadership Skill Sets, Personal Growth, self development, Self Improvement, Servant Leadership 
