Self-leadership, or auto-leadership , is the ability to steer oneself towards professional success. This is a very important skill in a constantly changing world of work, where employers are looking for people who are autonomous, motivated and capable of making independent decisions.
Self-leadership - 16 key personal development principles to get there
1 - Know your professional goals
Self-leadership starts with self-knowledge and goals. Be aware of your skills, your strengths and your management style. A skills assessment may prove useful. It's essential to know where you want to go, so you can steer yourself in the right direction. Take the time to think about your short-, medium- and long-term goals, and write them down. This will help you focus on what's important and define a concrete action plan to achieve them.
If you're having trouble getting started, or if you'd like to do it more dynamically and interactively, don't hesitate to call in a coach professional. It will enable you to question yourself on points outside your usual zone of reflection.
2 - Setting limits
One of the main difficulties of self-leadership is maintaining motivation and discipline. To achieve this, it's important to set clear limits and stick to them. This can mean defining hours of work and rest, or committing not to procrastinate for a certain period of time. By setting yourself limits, you avoid the risk of burn-out and give yourself the means to succeed.
3 - Enrich your network
Self-leadership does not mean working alone. On the contrary, it's essential to develop your professional network to exchange ideas, find opportunities and receive constructive feedback. To do this, take part in events, join online discussion groups, or get in touch with people whose work you admire. It may bring you more than you think.
4 - Develop your decision making
Self-leadership requires assertiveness to make independent decisions. This can be difficult, especially when it comes to decisions that are important for your professional development. To achieve this, it's important to learn about the various options options, weigh up the pros and cons, and follow your instincts. By making the right decisions, you gain self-confidence and credibility with your colleagues.
Again, don't hesitate to call on a coach professional. They can help you get out of your comfort zone and accelerate the development of key skills.
5 - Adapting to change
The world of work is changing fast, and self-leadership means being able to adapt to these changes. To do this, it's important to keep abreast of new trends and technologies, to train regularly, and to be open-minded. By adapting to change, you'll be able to stand out from the crowd and make informed decisions.
6 - Taking care of your well-being
Self-leadership also involves taking care of your physical and mental well-being. This means taking a step back, as well as managing stress. Take time to rest, exercise, eat healthily and engage in activities that bring you pleasure or joy. Your self-fulfilment is important. When you're healthy, you can work more efficiently and make better decisions.
7 - Developing skills in leadership
Developing key skills, such as communication, creativity, problem solving and critical thinking, is essential for professional success.
Deepen your professional and personal interpersonal skills, your leadership style and your charisma. You'll ensure better team cohesion, greater agility between different hierarchical levels and a greater ability to federate. By investing in your personal development, you can stand out from the crowd and prepare yourself for future opportunities. Here too, professional support makes all the sense in the world.
8 - Take calculated risks
Self-leadership means taking calculated risks to achieve your goals. This may mean taking on a new job, undertaking a personal project or changing careers. Self-questioning is essential, to clarify your priorities. It's important to take the time to reflect on these decisions and weigh up the risks and rewards. By taking calculated risks, you can open up new professional opportunities.
9 - Be an example to others
Self-leadership is not limited to yourself. By setting an example for others, you can inspire and motivate your colleagues and associates to take initiative and achieve their goals. Be proactive, lead by example and share your knowledge. In this way, you can help create a positive and productive working environment.
10 - Constantly evolve
Self-leadership means constant professional development. The world of work is changing rapidly, and it's important to adapt to these changes by learning new skills and exploring new opportunities. Be curious, take initiative and be open-minded.
11 - Avoid procrastination
Procrastination is an enemy of the self-leadership. Avoid putting off important or difficult tasks, as this can lead to delays and problems in your work. Learn to prioritize and develop effective time management. Set deadlines for projects and tasks, and follow them rigorously.
12 - Be able to say no
Self-leadership also involves assertiveness. Learn to identify tasks that don't fit in with your goals or schedule, and be prepared to refuse them. This will enable you to concentrate on the most important tasks and develop better stress and time management skills.
13 - Ask for help
Self-leadership doesn't mean being alone. Learn to ask for help when you need it, whether to solve a problem, get advice or benefit from someone else's expertise. A coaching professional can come in handy. Always be ready to share your knowledge and experience with others too.
14 - Reinforce a positive attitude
A positive attitude is essential for success in the workplace. Adopt an optimistic, pro-active, solution-oriented attitude and always look for the bright side. Avoid being distracted by obstacles or criticism, and focus on opportunities and solutions. A positive attitude can help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
15 - Develop an informed vision
Self-leadership involves making informed decisions. This requires good emotional intelligence, as well as a certain capacity for detachment. When you have to make an important decision, take the time to think things through, gather the necessary information and weigh up the risks and benefits. Avoid making impulsive or emotionally driven decisions, and consider the long-term consequences.
16 - Deepening relationships of trust
Self-leadership involves developing trusting relationships with colleagues and business partners. Be honest and transparent in your relationships, and respect the commitments you make. Avoid gossip or negative criticism, and be ready to recognize the contributions of others.
In short, self-leadership is an ongoing process that requires discipline, perseverance and patience.
By knowing your goals, setting boundaries, developing your network, making decisions and adapting to change, you are empowering yourself to succeed in the ever-changing world of work.
In conclusion, the more you develop key skills such as goal-setting, time management, informed decision-making and building trusting relationships, the more you'll give yourself the means to succeed professionally. Equally important for physical and mental well-being, self-leadership enables you to take care of yourself and maintain a healthy balance between your professional and personal life. Don't forget to take calculated risks, be constantly evolving and always strive to improve. With perseverance, you'll be able to see significant improvements in your life year after year.
For further information, please contact Fabienne Revillard
Discover also AAA+ Coaching and Training on Facebook and Linkedin?
Are you looking for tips for successful career progression?
Sign up at newsletter and receive our offers and tips for better professional development.
