Understanding Leadership: Self-Perception vs. External Perception
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Chapter 1: The Importance of Self-Awareness
Gaining insight into one’s own leadership style and how it is perceived by others is crucial for personal and professional growth. It's common to become entrenched in one’s own viewpoint, overlooking the perspectives of those around us. In this article, I aim to discuss the distinctions between my self-perception and how I am perceived by others, as well as the lessons I've learned along the way.
Introduction
I am James D. Washington, an organizational leader, entrepreneur, professor, and author. Throughout my journey, I have always valued humility, service, and dedication to my family and community. However, I have come to recognize that my self-image does not always align with how others perceive me.
Humility and Service
I pride myself on prioritizing the needs of others, ensuring they have the resources to thrive. Nevertheless, feedback has suggested that I sometimes appear overbearing or overly assertive. This realization was challenging, as it contradicts my foundational values of humility and service. Through introspection and external feedback, I've learned that striking a balance between supporting others and respecting their independence is essential for effective leadership.
Communication
For a significant portion of my life, I viewed myself as an introverted individual, often reserved in conversation. However, as I have evolved in my leadership role, I've discovered that this perception is not entirely accurate. While I may not be the most vocal person, I tend to express myself passionately about topics that matter to me. Writing has been a crucial tool for clarifying my thoughts and enhancing my communication skills, yet I still strive to improve my listening abilities. Effective communication encompasses not just speaking but also understanding and valuing others' viewpoints.
Leadership Style
I have long admired the concept of a silent leader—one who leads through example while allowing others to shine. Yet, through self-reflection and feedback, I've acknowledged that this does not fully capture my essence. Although I believe in leading by example, I have recognized my extroverted nature and my enjoyment of collaboration and idea-sharing. I'm learning to reconcile my inclination to lead with my commitment to serving others, realizing that there is merit in stepping up and taking initiative when necessary.
Conclusion
Contemplating my self-view versus how others perceive me has been a humbling and enlightening journey. It's easy to become absorbed in our own narratives and overlook the perspectives of others. By embracing feedback and reflecting on my behavior, I have experienced growth both as a leader and as an individual. I encourage you to take time to consider your own self-perception in contrast to how others see you—it may lead to surprising insights.
Dr. James D. Washington
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Chapter 2: Enhancing Self-Leadership Skills
Reflecting on one’s leadership style involves a commitment to self-growth and awareness.
The first video, "Learning to Lead Yourself, Part 1," explores the fundamentals of self-leadership, highlighting the importance of understanding oneself before leading others.
The second video, "Great leadership starts with self-leadership | Lars Sudmann | TEDxUCLouvain," emphasizes how effective leadership begins with self-awareness and personal responsibility.