What Does Your Dashboard Look Like?

Jan 01, 2024

4 Questions to Increase Self-Awareness

Have you ever had a check engine light go on in a vehicle you were driving?


You instantly become keenly aware of every rattle, shift, and nuance of your ride.


The check engine light on your dashboard serves the important purpose of indicating the “health” of your vehicle.


Therefore, you would never ignore these lights, knowing it might lead to a more costly issue down the road.


Yet, have you ever been guilty of ignoring your own personal dashboard and flashing warning lights?


Even worse, have you ever done it in the name of “sacrifice” for those who mean the most to you?


When you do this, it isn’t sustainable and you aren’t able to truly give your family the best version of you, but rather one that is drained, short on patience, or even disconnected emotionally. It hurts you and others more than it actually helps.


But it doesn’t have to be this way.  


This is where self-awareness comes in.


When 75 members of the Stanford Graduate School of Business Advisory Council were asked to identify the most important capability for leaders to develop, their answer was overwhelmingly, “self-awareness” (George et al., 2007).


True self-awareness is about knowing a healthy you vs. an unhealthy you, and then understanding what is needed to recalibrate so that you can bring your best self back into the game.


After all, if you can’t lead yourself well, how are you ever going to lead anyone else?


This week, ask yourself these questions:


    1.  What unimportant things are taking away from the important ones? 


   2.  What do I need to say “no” to this week?


   3.  What emotions am I avoiding processing?


   4.  What are the compromised areas of my life that actually deserve my  best?  What adjustments will I make?


Leadership starts from within. Even with the best strategy in the world, you ultimately are the difference maker by the way you show up as your full, best self each day. Remember, it is not a destination you are after.  But rather, it is a daily process of renewing your mind, looking inward, being honest with yourself, and having grace for yourself.


When you do these things consistently, you are better equipped to infuse life into those around you, love people with patience and empathy, and show up big for those who matter most.


For family is worth it.  Your team is worth it.  You are worth it.



Click the link HERE to sign up for my newsletter, and as a gift I will send you my FREE GUIDE with “6 Keys to Realign Your Life and Recharge Your Leadership” so you can show up with your best for who and what matters most!



Reference:

George, W., Sims, P., McLean, A.N., Mayer, D. (2007). Discovering your authentic leadership. Harvard business review, 1-8.

by Tyler Cook 08 Mar, 2023
I remember the first time I asked this to one of my new employees, in response to a question she asked me about a scenario she encountered. She stared back at me for a second. And then she repeated her question. I simply smiled, and asked her again. "What do YOU think we should do?" She slowly cracked a smile. She then shared her idea - thought out, well articulated, and passionate. So, we went with it. To this day, I don't remember the question she asked me, but I do remember the way she stood a little taller in my office doorway as she passionately detailed her idea that she was about to go hit a home run with. Her idea, not mine. (which was better than mine, anyways) "What do you think?" 4 simple words. 4 words that communicate: - Trust - Belief - Confidence - Commitment When we BELIEVE in our people, we bring out the BEST in our people. Stephen R. Covey said, “Leadership is communicating to people their worth and potential so clearly that they come to see it in themselves” (Covey, 2013). This is such a great depiction of our role as authentic leaders. How do you convey your belief in those you lead? Are they confident in making decisions without you? Do they feel your support and trust in them? As a leader, this takes intentionality, connection, and a willingness to say, “Go for it - I have your back.” Our organizations are filled with untapped potential, and it is our privilege as leaders to remove the lid and foster a culture where our people are empowered and believed in. So, in what ways can you foster this in your team this week? Look for opportunities and watch your team grow! Reference: Covey, S. R. (2013, January 25). Leadership is a choice, not a position. Business Standard. https://www.business-standard.com/article/management/leadership-is-a-choice-not-a-position-stepen-r-covey-109020300076_1.html If you are passionate about empowering your people and growing others into their fullest potential, check out my new book, written with Todd Nesloney - Building Authenticity: A Blueprint for the Leader Inside You. Learn how to live and lead with authenticity that will grow who you are, how you lead, and develop the greatness in those around you! Get it HERE !

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You have greatness inside of you, and Building Authenticity will provide you with the blueprint necessary to become the leader you were meant to be - in every aspect of your life. No matter your season, position or title, leadership development begins with personal development, because who you are is how you lead.

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