The Leader in Me
- John-Michael Scurio
- Jul 27, 2024
- 3 min read
In today’s dynamic business landscape, we are constantly navigating a torrent of technological advancements, globalization, hybrid working models, matrixed teams, and shifting workforce demographics. Change is all around us. Change is, indeed, a formidable challenge.
It is, quite frankly, a Herculean task to keep pace with these developments while maintaining a semblance of order and efficiency. How, then, do we rise to this challenge? The answer lies in the concept of Self-Leadership. This is the cornerstone upon which we build our capacity for self-awareness, emotional intelligence, empathy, mindfulness, social intelligence, and agility. These are the attributes that empower us to thrive in the face of complexity.
Self-Leadership in Action
In a world where change is the only constant, the ability to take decisive, effective action is paramount. Allow me to elaborate on three critical Self-Leadership abilities that will equip us to flourish in an ever-evolving work environment.
1. Increased Capacity for Agility and Development
Change necessitates agility—the capacity to relinquish outdated habits and embrace new behaviors. The primary challenge lies in transforming newfound knowledge into actionable habits amidst the bustle of our daily routines. Herein lies our strategy:
Growth Goal: Establishing a meaningful growth goal provides clarity, focus, motivation, and accountability. It is akin to a compass, guiding our efforts towards the desired transformation.
Practice: The most impactful lessons are not gleaned from training programs but from experience. We must be willing to practice and integrate new knowledge and skills continuously.
Feedback: Honest feedback is invaluable. It illuminates our blind spots and catalyzes our development. To receive such feedback, we must cultivate a safe and open environment.
Reflection: Regular reflection enhances our emotional intelligence, social skills, and learning agility. Ask yourselves: What happened? So what? Now what?
2. Advanced Emotional Competence
Effective self-leadership during challenging transitions requires us to manage our emotions with finesse. Here’s how to master this:
Learn to Pause: When beset by negative emotions, pause. This helps you regain composure and select actions that align with your values.
Breathe to Calm Emotions: The simple act of breathing can significantly calm the mind. In stressful situations, take deep breaths to harness this power.
Name It to Tame It: Naming your emotion transfers it from the reactive to the rational part of your brain, aiding problem-solving and creativity.
What Can You Control: Stephen Covey’s Circle of Influence helps us focus on what we can control or influence. Our responses to challenges, not the challenges themselves, determine our fate.
3. Self-Care
Self-care is not a luxury; it is an imperative. Prioritizing self-care enhances performance, accuracy, health, and well-being. Here are four best practices:
Invest in Relationships: Hybrid work can strain relationships. Social connections, however, are vital for well-being, stress reduction, health, and performance.
Take Time to Recharge: Recharging boosts productivity and quality. Take short breaks, practice gratitude, walk, and focus on strengths.
Develop a Healthy Stress Mindset: Viewing stress as a challenge, rather than a threat, can enhance cognitive ability, productivity, and memory.
Internal Locus of Control: Believing in our ability to control situations fosters responsibility, self-belief, and success.
Self-Leadership is the Key
Possessing the right skills is merely the entry ticket. Self-Leadership is the distinguishing factor that enables us to excel amid change and transition. It allows us to remain focused on our most significant goals despite the uncertainties.
In developing our agility, emotional competence, and self-care practices, we will not only navigate change effectively but also inspire those around us to thrive.🤝
John-Michael Scurio is a human resources leader specializing in the DEI space. For information related to training, leadership development, DEI work, talent selection, keynote speaking engagements, CoEs, employee resource groups and the cultivation of workplace culture, connect with him via jmscurio@yahoo.com
