Self-Leadership

The term "leadership" originates from the Old English word "laedere," meaning "the one who leads." The suffix "-ship" signifies "the state or condition of being something." Traditionally, we associate leadership with individuals at the top of organizations—decision-makers who guide teams and drive progress. This focus on developing leaders is crucial; research has shown that organizations with engaged employees report 21% higher productivity and are 17% more profitable than their less-engaged counterparts (Gallup, 2022).

Recent statistics indicate that today's workforce is increasingly searching for growth, fulfillment, and alignment with their organization's vision. A survey by Deloitte found that 83% of millennials said they want a job where they can make a positive impact, reflecting a shift in workplace expectations and culture.

However, this emphasis on hierarchical leadership often relegates others to follower roles. Engaged followers actively apply their skills towards shared goals, while disengagement can lead to feelings of disenchantment and resentment. According to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), disengaged employees can cost organizations up to $550 billion annually in lost productivity.

My experience in collaborating with leaders and teams suggests that effective leadership requires a clear sense of direction, coupled with resilience in overcoming challenges. Yet, organizations frequently overlook a pivotal concept: self-leadership. Self-leadership involves taking personal responsibility and responding to our environment in ways that align with our core values. It empowers individuals to steer their own life paths, whether by pursuing promotions, changing jobs, or starting new ventures.

When individuals practice self-leadership, they take accountability for their choices, thereby crafting their own experiences and learning from successes and failures alike. This active engagement is essential for feeling fulfilled and accomplished in both personal and professional spheres.

Joyful Mind's 'People Potential' is a leadership academy promoting and developing self-leadership at all levels. Find out more at the website https://www.joyfulminds.co.uk/leadership-academy