Life is so busy, isn’t it?
Lots to do, all the time, without much time for a pause, for rest, or to be self-full.
What do I mean by self-full? Doing something just for you. And not feeling guilty about it.
I think some of us have a problem with this. We feel ‘bad’ when we do something for ourselves. Particularly if we have responsibilities for others such as family members and team members. Our need and desire to be self-full competes with the feeling of selfishness.
Self-care and self-development often take a backseat amid the many responsibilities and demands of leading successful teams. Yet, for leaders committed to being deliberate and effective, prioritising personal growth and well-being is not just a luxury but a necessity.
Leadership isn’t solely about steering others; it’s about mastering the art of
self-leadership first.
Here’s why focusing on self-care and self-development is critical for becoming a better, more deliberate leader:
1. Resilience Amidst Challenges: Leadership is rife with challenges, from navigating crises to managing conflicts. Prioritising self-care equips leaders with the resilience needed to bounce back effectively. By maintaining physical health, managing stress, and nurturing mental well-being, you can approach adversities with clarity and composure, inspiring confidence among your team.
2. Enhanced Decision-Making: Deliberate leaders must make astute decisions amidst uncertainty and ambiguity. Investing in self-development sharpens critical thinking skills, fosters emotional intelligence, and expands perspectives. Through continuous learning and introspection, you can gain insights that inform sound judgments, driving organisational growth and innovation.
3. Cultivating Authentic Leadership: Authenticity lies at the core of deliberate leadership. Embracing self-care nurtures authenticity by fostering self-awareness and alignment with core values. Leaders who prioritise personal well-being exude genuine confidence and integrity, earning trust and loyalty from their teams. Authentic leaders inspire commitment and foster a culture of openness and collaboration.
4. Empowering Others Effectively: Leadership isn’t about exerting control; it’s about empowering others to unleash their potential. By prioritising self-care, you model healthy behaviors and set positive examples for your teams. A leader who values self-care encourages employees to prioritise their well-being, fostering a supportive work environment where individuals thrive and contribute meaningfully.
5. Sustained Peak Performance: The journey of leadership is akin to a marathon, not a sprint. Sustainable success requires leaders to prioritise self-care as a means of maintaining peak performance over the long haul. By nurturing physical, mental, and emotional vitality, leaders sustain high levels of energy, focus, and creativity, driving consistent excellence in the way they approach work.
Deliberate leaders are self-full not selfish.
They recognise that investing in self-care and self-development isn’t self-indulgent; it’s strategic. By nurturing your well-being and being self-full, you can cultivate the resilience, authenticity, and insight needed to navigate complexity and inspire greatness in others.
What’s coming up?
People and Culture Deliberate Leader Program
A program designed specifically to level up your ability to lead as a People and Culture Professional.
2024 Sydney and Melbourne Programs are now open for registrations.
Leader as Coach Program
Leaders who incorporate coaching in how they lead achieve better results. This program is a game-changer for leaders who are looking to lead differently.
3 x Melbourne and 1 x Sydney Programs now open for registrations.
Here’s how we can work together:
💬 One-on-one coaching
👩🏫 Facilitation of your next leadership team activity
🎯 Leadership development and training
🎤 Book me as a Speaker or MC for your next event
Rita Cincotta writes, mentors, and speaks about deliberate leadership. She works with organisations to develop better leaders that support people and businesses to thrive. You can download Rita’s new whitepaper, Deliberate Leadership here.
