Leading Others Begins with Leading Yourself

Before You Lead Others, Lead Yourself

Many people aspire to manage or lead others, often seeing it as the next natural step in their careers. But the question is, how do you get there? And perhaps more importantly, why do you want to lead in the first place?

Beyond having a clear vision of why leadership is important to you, understanding how you manage your own abilities, time, and performance is critical. To effectively lead others, you must first learn to lead yourself.

Self-Awareness
The cornerstone of self-leadership is self-awareness. This means having an honest understanding of your strengths and areas for improvement. Knowing where you can add value—and where you might not be the best fit—matters in every role. It’s okay to acknowledge that someone else might be better suited for a project or task. Doing so not only opens up opportunities for others but also ensures transparency from the start. If we overestimate our abilities and assume we can handle everything, we risk falling short when expectations aren’t met.

Self-Control
Another key aspect of self-management is self-control. It’s about knowing when to speak up and when to hold back, what to share and what to keep to yourself. Beyond being aware of our strengths and weaknesses, we need to manage our reactions, behaviors, and words. By mastering self-control, we model discipline and emotional intelligence for others, preparing ourselves for the responsibilities that come with leadership.

Values
Finally, understanding your ethics and values is essential. These may evolve over time, but knowing what you stand for and what you believe in will serve as your guiding compass. What are the non-negotiables you hold fast to, and where are you more flexible? Being honest with yourself about these core values sets you up for success not only with your leaders but also with those you lead. It provides clarity, helping you and your team find motivation and purpose.

If you’re considering a leadership role—or already hold one—take a moment to check in with yourself. Reflect on your self-awareness, self-control, and values. Leading others begins with leading yourself.