The revolution I advocate begins in the heart and mind of the individual leader.
Being a leader is defined first by who you are. It is unfortunate for both the individual leader and those being led when the leader lacks confidence. This lack of confidence has sources that are both societal and individual. From a societal standpoint, we too often recognize confidence as aggression and ego. This is the old confidence.
From an individual standpoint, an internal language that consistently communicates “I can’t” is a stubborn block to understanding and embracing who we really are. As a result of this language, we deny self in a manner – that unlike the servant approach to denial – denies others the impact of our leadership. The self-denial I reference leads to a false-confidence in the impact of our leadership. We are led to believe that placing all our energy externally is service and energy directed internally is selfish.
My dedication to a focus on the individual is constantly encouraged by my own unfolding experience with personal accountability – personal accountability for my own behavior in the present and the impact of that behavior now and in the future.
Organizational change can happen without the individual, but organizational (collective) impact will never materialize without the individual’s commitment to an internal focus.
Counterintuitive as it might seem, a focus internally (on self) benefits and serves the external (others). This approach is selfless. This is the new confidence of the revolution.
I’ve chosen to call this approach to intentional leadership a revolution simply because of what I’ve seen individual leaders do when becoming aware of who they really are. I’ve observed changes in behavior that have led to improved performance, exceeded expectations and fulfillment in the personal journey with work.
The revolution I advocate begins in the heart and mind of the individual leader. I welcome you to this revolution. The 21st Century belongs to the aware, focused and loving leader.
[...] fifth learning is about the confident leader; a leader with new confidence. This confident leader has purpose; but may need assistance in articulating it in a clear, guiding [...]