...but I disagree with the order it's given in.
1-800-CEO-READ wrote that "According to Ram Charam and Larry Bossidy's book, Execution, the leader's seven essential behaviors are:
1. Know your people and your business
2. Insist on realism
3. Set clear goals and priorities
4. Follow through
5. Reward the doers
6. Expand people's capabilities
7. Know yourself.
This is a good - solid - practical list that applies to a variety of leadership situations. Even student leadership situations. But it's out of order. I would put "Know Yourself" at the top of the list.
This month we're discussing what it means to "lead yourself first." I think it's important (essential!) to know yourself before you know your people and your business. You need to know what makes you tick.
"Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment." - Lao Tzu
And if you're going to travel down the 'know yourself' path it will require honesty and courage as you discover the truth about YOU. It isn't always easy to peel back the layers of our thoughts and feelings and try to realize who we really are. But the truth we discover is insightful.
I encourage you to start asking yourself some questions. Here are some to get you started exploring the real you:
2. What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses?
3. List three situations when you are most at ease. What specific elements are present when you feel that way?
4. When you disagree with someone's viewpoint, what do you do?
5. How do your friends describe you? Do you agree with their descriptions? Why or why not?
6. What are your dreams for the future? What steps are you taking to achieve your dreams?
7. What do you fear most in your life? Why?
Without knowing yourself, can you be an effective leader? If you don't know who you are and what you stand for, how do you expect to inspire others to be the best that they can be?
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Flickr Credit: by dakotahsgirl
I totally agree. This is Bossidy Charan's list.
Thanks for the post.
Jack
Posted by: Jack Covert | January 08, 2009 at 04:31 PM