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