Want to be a better leader? Know yourself and understand how you’re motivated, then look to apply that process throughout your organization. There are many ways to do this kind of self-exploration, but there is just one question to ask yourself: “What do I want to be known for?”
Whether you’re an established leader in your organization or about to take on a new position, here’s how to know yourself… better.
Push Yourself: When you understand the significance of engaging in your work (and life) from the perspective of “legacy,” you’ll push yourself to do more and do it better.
Be Accountable: The momentum you create when you socialize what you want to be known for—as a colleague, a leader, a producer, etc.—builds on itself as other people see you “doing what you said you would do.” When they see you saying what you believe, and delivering on your promises, they will trust you at whole new levels.
Prioritize Your Priorities: What ARE your Most Important Things? At work? In life? Throughout your community? When you give yourself the “gift of your own attention,” people will notice that you walk your talk. As my mentor, Frances Hesselbein says, “Leadership is a matter of how to be, not just what to do.”