CHAPTER 1 A Commitment to the Self

“It’s hard to see the picture when you’re in the frame.”

—UNKNOWN

“We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.”

—T.S. ELIOT

Leaders must commit to understanding themselves as human beings if they hope to grow and lead others effectively. This commitment is a fundamental starting point for everything else. While a commitment to the self may sound somewhat indulgent, it is no small, nor easy, task.

PRINCIPLE

To be most effective as a leader, you must understand yourself as a human being.

Truly understanding the self as objectively as possible and then intentionally acting on that knowledge—those two are not the same— is a lifelong journey that inevitably involves experiences ranging from unease to discomfort to outright pain, along with bright, wonderful, gratifying moments, too. It is not a journey for the faint of heart, but self-awareness, growth, and effective, authentic leadership can be the prize.

PRINCIPLE

Learning about and developing the self is a lifelong process, which anyone can engage in.

The great news is that it is something anyone can do. It does not require any special cognitive intelligence, gifts, or abilities. It is a capacity resident in human beings, and there are specific steps you can take to learn about yourself and grow.

As a result of taking these steps, you should come to know more about yourself, who you really are, and how you come across to others. From there, you can engage in new behaviors and even ways of thinking that maximize your own effectiveness and satisfaction.