If I can master myself, and create net positive good in my environment, that would be a successful life. I am not a leader for the sake of being a leader.
"A leader is best when people barely know he exists, when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves.” — Lao Tzu
Strive to be a good person in every sense of the word, best described by Aristotles’ definition of eudaimonia.
“The highest good of a thing consists of the good performance of its characteristic function, and the virtue or excellence of a thing consists of whatever traits or qualities enable it to perform that function well” - Aristotle.
My role is that of a leader, and I must play this part to the best of my ability in the theatre of life. I believe being a leader involves embodying core principles to guide and inspire others and to be an effective leader I commit to:
Virtuous example: Embody wisdom, courage, justice, and temperance in actions and decisions, inspiring others through my conduct. To be dependable to my team and my organisation.
Rational decision-making: Apply reason and critical thinking in decision-making, prioritize the greater good and remain open to feedback and alternative perspectives. To always give structure and clarity to my team and stakeholders.
Emotional resilience: Manage my emotions effectively, maintain inner stability during challenges, demonstrate emotional intelligence, and show empathy towards others.
Focus on control: Concentrate on what can be influenced while accepting what cannot be changed. Empower my team by encouraging responsibility and resilience in the face of external challenges.
Adaptability and acceptance: Be adaptable and respond to situations with flexibility and pragmatism. Encourage your team to embrace change and view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Service to others: Dedicate yourself to the well-being and development of your team, fostering a culture of collaboration, fairness, and mutual respect. Identifying and communicating the meaning, and impact of our workithin the larger framework that may not be commonly communicated or even understood.
Effective leadership involves creating an environment that promotes personal growth, ethical behaviour, and collective success.
Self-Leadership
Self-leadership is self-mastery.
Self-mastery in both the personal context and in the role of a leader is an ever-evolving duty. To align with my vision statement, I :
1. Take Responsibility - taking responsibility is understanding and accepting the things that are within my control and acknowledging the things that are not. My thoughts, beliefs, opinions, and actions are within my control, while external events, other people's actions, and the outcomes of my efforts are beyond my control. By focusing on what I can control, I take responsibility for my own well-being and cultivate inner resilience.
2. Live by the cardinal Virtues – Wisdom, Justice, Courage, and Self-discipline, and actively working to develop a virtuous character, making ethical choices, and treating others fairly and with compassion. Striving to be dependable under all circumstances.
3. Act with Compassion - Treat everyone with kindness and compassion, regardless of their status, background, or personal beliefs. Recognize the interconnectedness of all people and the shared human experience of suffering.
Extend help to others in need, not just through emotional understanding but also by taking concrete actions to help, offer guidance (if asked for), or resources when possible.
4. Practice Emotional regulation: Emotional reactions are largely within my control, even if external events are not. By taking responsibility for my emotions and practising techniques such as self-reflection, mindfulness, negative visualization, and cognitive reframing, I cultivate emotional dependability and resilience to maintain a sense of inner peace, regardless of the circumstances.
5. Work on Personal growth - Continuously work towards self-improvement by learning from experiences, reflecting on my actions, and seeking feedback. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and development.
6. Practice and exhibit Joy - A state of inner contentment and tranquillity that arises from living a life of meaning in accordance with reason, virtue, and a deep understanding of what is truly valuable in life. Cultivating an attitude of gratitude and appreciation for the present moment, the people around you, and the opportunities life presents.
With these practices, I strive to create an environment of psychological safety.
Source: Google
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