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Leader Know Thyself

There are as many different leadership styles as there are leaders.

What does your style say about you?

What type of leader do you admire or aspire to be like?

It is likely that your preference for leader is similar to your own style. Caroline Myss www.myss.com the author of many great books and in particular her book on archetypes speaks to the truth that we are drawn to others that are most like us and repelled by those who are most unlike us.

As a leader this is an important component of self to be aware of in order to lead objectively and with limited judgment. For example if your style of leadership is to provide very little structure or direction that allows others to figure it out for themselves then it is likely that you will not appreciate an authoritative approach that provides detailed instruction.

Conversely if you are a hands on leader who provides structure and expectations while allowing others to follow the plan with their own imprint you will find it difficult to work with someone who works with a looser structure style.

The same holds true for your team members- Tim Sanders www.timsanders.com wrote the book, The Likeability Factorand provides strong arguments for the notion that leaders prefer to work with people they like. The opposite is also true - people like to work for leaders they like.

Your leadership style says a lot about who you are as a person. If you dislike conflict you may find this is a weak area in your leadership skills. Leaders who avoid conflict can come across as wishy washy or non-decisive. If you like conflict for the sake of conflict or think that it will stimulate more creativity you could be perceived as defiant, difficult and a bully. However if you have a healthy view of conflict as being inevitable among people and have built the skills to handle conflict effectively you will be perceived as capable, strong and not afraid of difficult situations.

Great leaders are those who take the time to evaluate themselves and are willing to go deep within themselves to find out how to be better. Now that we are entering a new year now is the time to reflect on the past year and on the effectiveness of your leadership. Make a conscious decision to develop yourself further as a leader by stretching your comfort zones.

Do something new and different that is unrelated to your role but will enhance your overall depth and scope as an individual.

A leader who knows their 'self' is a leader who knows others.

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