Understanding you

# Chapter 104

Model the way - from The Five Practices of Exemplary Leadership

“When you understand who you are and what your values are, you can give voice to those values in all that you say and do.” SSSL p. 19

It is more difficult to know who you are, or perhaps more difficult to accept who you are, than most people realize. Besides those factors, you are also an ever-changing being, so we are not talking about knowing or accepting a stationary target here. But if you want to influence others, lead, have authority and power to shape a better world, then you really need to work at this one. Strive to understand yourself, and address the parts of yourself that need addressing. Easy words - lifelong work.

As you do this and as you live it out with those in your circles, you will model the way. Yet you need to decide precisely what you want to model. You can model frustration with who you are, as easily as you can model the value that everyone should have a voice, or some other value. Choose your value, and give voice to it.

When all this is aligned you will have power. Power to help people move forward. Power to help others change. Power to shape the world. Power to be who you are and be comfortable with that version of you. When you are comfortable with who you are people can trust that.

Without trust there is no way to move forward. This the foundation of credibility and reliability (under-promise over-deliver) and a great future with people.