Peter Drucker, the father of management, said: “You cannot manage other people unless you manage yourself first.” I totally agree and would add that you cannot lead other people unless you lead yourself first.

But what does it mean to lead yourself? Self-leadership is the ability to manage your own thoughts, behaviors and actions. Everything starts with our thoughts and the stories that we tell ourselves. These thoughts and stories determine our behaviors and actions. Our behaviors become habits, and our habits shape our careers and our lives.

Recently, I started reading Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor and Stoic philosopher. It is inspiring how much time and energy did Marcus spend on self-leadership and reflection. He realized that he couldn’t rally others and guide them before he could rally and guide himself.

“Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself,” wrote the 13th century poet Rumi. As you find yourself with possibly some free time in these difficult days, are you ready to start changing yourself to become the leader that you always wanted to be?

————————————————————————————————————-
Dr. Amer Kaissi is a Professional Speaker, Executive Coach and an expert on Leadership, Humility & Ambition, Assuming Positive Intent, Psychological Safety & Accountability, Growth Mindsets & Resilience. He is the author of five books.