Inspiring Lives Magazine Spring 2017: Issue 4 | Page 43
LEADERSHIP LESSONS SERIES—Part 1:
Inner Driven Leadership
A
s I work with leaders, we discuss leadership
based on best practices such as influence,
vision, empowerment, and accountability.
These are the measurable fundamentals of
leadership that most leaders possess to varying degrees.
By developing these external skills, one would indeed
become a better leader. However, what if the leader-
ship development journey began by connecting those
external leadership skills to what one thinks and feels
on the inside. Would this internal connection enhance
one’s leadership development?
I think so, and over the next three issues, we will
discuss inner driven leadership and how connecting
external leadership skills to one’s core can enrich the
leadership experience. Each article will cover one of the
three competencies necessary to achieve inner driven
leadership: personal, social, and behavioral competence.
Let’s start by discussing the root of inner driven
leadership—personal competence. Personal compe-
tence embraces the discovery of our core values, per-
sonal mission statement, and authenticity. This aware-
ness sets the foundation for inner driven leadership and
embodies who we are as individuals.
Our core values define who we are and guide our
decisions and behavior. So, what are your core values?
Have you ever taken the time to think about what is
really at the center of your core? Today we will do just
that. Write down all the values you hold dear.
For example, a few core values leaders typically name
include trust, integrity, service, prosperity, risk, securi-
ty, family, diversity, dependability, courage, power, loy-
alty, harmony, success, teamwork, and humor. Do not
be limited by these as there are many more. Remem-
ber, there are no right or wrong answers. Write down
the values most important to you. If you are struggling
with this, email me at info@TopPerformanceResults.
com for a list.
When complete, narrow this list down to your top
ten core values. Once again, narrow your list further
until you have only five. These are the top five core val-
ues that define who you are. Does your leadership style
incorporate your top five? If not, to achieve true inner
driven leadership, try
to blend them into your
current leadership style.
Now, let’s think about
your personal mission
statement. This is a
brief statement that
clarifies your purpose
and identifies what is
important to you. You
are a reflection of your
personal mission. This
type of clarity can have
a profound effect on
your leadership development.
Let us now create a personal mission statement. Start
by asking yourself the following questions:
• Who am I?
• What do I want to do?
• Who do I want to help?
• How will I help them?
• How will it benefit the world?
Take a few moments to reflect before you begin to an-
swer the questions. Here is a simple example to illustrate
what your personal mission statement may look like:
Who am I?.................................... Jane Doe
What do I want to do?................... Prevent experimental
testing on animals
Who do I want to help? ................ Animals
How will I help them?.................. Send signed petitions
to Congress
How will it benefit the world? ..... Cruelty to animals
will cease to exist
Are you surprised by what you wrote? Did you learn
anything about yourself? Are you incorporating your
personal mission statement into your leadership style
SPRING 2017
INSPIRING LIVES
43
By Diane Lazarowicz