It's all about self...
Self-leadership - what is it? Why is it important? Can you learn to do it? We explore all this and more in the latest episode of the podcast.
I have been in a reflective mood recently, partly following the conversation Lee and I had for the podcast on self-leadership, and partly because it’s that time of year. New year, sorting and clearing, goal setting and thinking about what to carry into 2024 and what to leave behind.
On the subject of self-leadership, there are three “selves” I’ve been thinking about. Self-awareness, self-development and self-care.
In 2023 I focused a lot on self-awareness, considering who I am as a leader, what I stand for and how I am showing up. There have been some challenges, I’ve felt like my leadership approach and my values haven’t always aligned with some of the experiences I’ve had in the workplace and in my business and this has given me an opportunity to reflect. I’ve also sought out conversations and feedback to check in about how I am showing up for others and how they perceive me as a leader.
This has helped me to focus on my self-development, considering where I need to put more energy and effort. It’s easy when you are a leader and a mentor to give lots of advice to others about their development, it’s important as a leader to make sure you take your own advice and consider how you can grow. I’ve been focused on broadening my experience and skillset as well as improving my boundary setting. You have probably heard me discuss the importance of setting and communicating your boundaries before, and it’s an area we explore in this latest episode of the podcast.
The thing I realised towards the end of the year that I have neglected in self-care. I have let all the things slip that are important for my health and wellbeing. Each of us will know what we need to prioritise to feel like we are operating at our best and I have failed to prioritise those things for myself. Exercise, getting outside more, eating healthily, restricting my screen time, making space to read and resting - all things I have not been doing enough of.
In order for me to start 2024 with a positive mindset, I need to reset my boundaries so that I can improve my self-care and therefore my self-leadership. And once I’ve worked out what boundaries I need to put in place, I also need to communicate them with my peers and colleagues, to set realistic expectations with them, and also to rolemodel good practice to others.
Listen to the episode to find out more and we would love to hear your thoughts.
Take care, Carrie-Ann xx
If you are a paid subscriber keep on reading for:
prompts to help you work out what boundaries you want to prioritise
further reading/ listening recommendations
the chance to ask questions and share your views on the topic.
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