John C Maxell's definition of leadership is influence. The ability to influence to lead others successfully is a skill and is developed not discovered. People don't want to be managed they want to be lead. Whoever heard of a world manager? World leader yes. Every one of us continually exerts influence. Is it empowering or controlling? The issue is not whether you influence someone. What needs to be settled is what kind of an influencer are you? Will you grow into your leadership skills? What would happen if you asked each team member ? ?how could I lead you more effectively??



Capability for Self Awareness

A successful leader clearly entails a considerable degree of self-knowledge and self acceptance. The greater our awareness, the greater our possibilities for choice and freedom.

Leadership demands that we be motivated by a genuine interest in and concerns for ourselves and others. Such a perception entails a belief that reason can triumph over fear, and that people are resourceful, competent, capable of self-direction and able to live fulfilling and productive lives. A leader who is motivated and inspired by these beliefs can guide and support individuals to develop their capabilities and stimulate, constructive, lasting change.

With a high degree of self-awareness it becomes easier for you to understand and channel your feelings, as well as listening to others and responding to their immediate issues and needs. You will be able to re-build relationships and eliminate mis-understandings that could re-occur in the future.

There are several benefits for self awareness and these are:

oYou gain self awareness that enables you to recognise your own feelings and to manage them effectively. You know the difference between feelings and behaviour and what their origin is. ? knowledge is power

oIt is possible for you to find a balance between expressing and controlling your feelings

oThere is a balance between your thoughts and feelings

oYou realise that you are responsible of your own feelings

oYou have empathy with the feelings of others and can understand them

oYour improved communication skills give rise to healthier relationships

oYou have the skills to assert yourself. You provide for fulfilling your needs without intruding onto the rights of others

oIs possible for you to formulate goals that make your life interesting and effective

oEmotional baggage can be left behind while your increasing energy makes it possible for the ?new you? to strive towards new ideas

REMEMBER:

You can only change yourself if you consciously decide to change. Nobody can do it for you. You can not change another person. The change process could bring resistance because it is more comfortable staying unchanged. The question is do you want to live a comfortable life, or do you want to live an enriched fulfilled life?

Keep a look out for - How to Develop the 10 Capabilities to Leadership - Capability 2