Dr. Stephen R. Covey recommended we “begin with the end in mind.” When it comes to leadership development, practitioners in the training field should regularly reflect on two end states:
1. “What do I want to be a better XX?”
2. “What do I want to be better at?”
To lead yourself first means thinking about the end state of roles and skills you need to improve. The first question pertains to roles such as: time manager, negotiator, spouse, friend, etc. The second forces you to focus on abilities to improve. Answer both questions and lead yourself, first.