Self-Awareness and Auto-Motivation: Unlocking the Leader Within

As leaders, we're often the ones expected to motivate and inspire our teams. But how often do we turn that spotlight inward? How well do we really know ourselves, and how do we keep our own motivation alive? Today, I want to dive into two key aspects of effective leadership: self-awareness and auto-motivation. Trust me, this journey inward is not just enlightening—it's a game-changer both professional and personally.

Understanding Self-Awareness and Auto-Motivation

Self-awareness is our ability to understand our own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and drivers. It's about knowing what makes ticks our derailment factors and recognizing how we impact others. This is crucial for leaders because it forms the basis of authentic leadership and allows us to connect more deeply with our teams.

Auto-motivation, on the other hand, is the ability to drive ourselves forward without external push. It’s that inner fire that keeps us going, the burning fuel, especially when things get tough. It's about finding that inner motivation that propels us towards our goals and dreams.

Combining these two elements can create a powerful synergy. Self-awareness gives us clarity on where we stand and where we need to grow, while auto-motivation fuels that growth with passion and determination.

Practical Actions for Leaders

Now, let's get to the fun part—putting theory into action. Here are four practical actions every leader should embrace to practice self-awareness and cultivate a growth mindset that boosts auto-motivation.

1. Regular Reflection Time

Set aside regular time for reflection. This could be as simple as spending 10 minutes at the end of each day – or every morning - journaling your thoughts. Ask yourself:

• What went well today?
• What could have been better?
• How did I react to challenges?
• What emotions did I experience?

Reflection helps you identify patterns in your behavior and thought processes. It's like holding up a mirror and allowing you to see yourself more clearly.

2. Seek Feedback—And Embrace It

Create a culture where feedback is not only given but requested. Ask your peers, team members, and even friends and family for their honest opinions about your leadership style.

• What are my strengths as a leader?
• Where do you see areas for improvement?

Feedback can be humbling, but it’s also incredibly enlightening. The key is to listen without defensiveness and view feedback as a gift that can help you grow.

3. Set Personal Goals and Celebrate Small Wins

Auto-motivation thrives on achievement, no matter how small. Set personal and professional goals that challenge you and track your progress. Celebrate every milestone, no matter how minor it seems. This could be:

• Learning a new skill
• Improving a particular aspect of your leadership
• Achieving a work-life balance
• Starting a new hobby
• Losing weight

By setting goals and acknowledging your progress, you keep your motivation levels high and reinforce a positive, growth-oriented mindset.

4. Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Embrace the belief that your abilities and intelligence can be developed with effort, learning, and persistence. A great book I’ve read about the topic is “Mindset: The New Psychology of Success” by psychologist Carol Dweck. When faced with challenges, ask yourself:

• What can I learn from this?
• How can I improve and adapt?

A growth mindset shifts your focus from seeking approval to seeking development, making you more resilient and persistent in the face of adversity. I always like to believe that challenges are always great opportunities to learn something new and become stronger.

Personal Reflections

Let me share a little secret. I’ve had my fair share of ups and downs – everybody does. There were times when self-doubt crept in, and my motivation dropped. But these moments were also the greatest lessons learned. They pushed me to dig deeper, reflect harder, and push beyond my comfort zone.

Embracing self-awareness and auto-motivation has transformed my leadership journey. It's not always easy, but the rewards are immense. You become stronger, more authentic, more resilient, and ultimately, a more effective leader.

Conclusion: Leadership is not just about guiding others—it's about guiding yourself. By fostering self-awareness and auto-motivation, you unlock your true potential and inspire those around you to do the same. So, take that reflective pause, seek out feedback, set your goals, and embrace a growth mindset. Your journey inward can illuminate the path forward for your entire team. Remember, the leader within you is just waiting to be unleashed. Go on, make that journey count.

Disclaimer: The insights and recommendations presented in this article are based on personal reflection and two decades of leadership experience. They offer general guidance and should not be considered specific advice for any particular company or situation. The case examples mentioned are fictional and illustrative. Every organization and transformation is unique, and change strategies should be tailored to the specific context and challenges faced. The author encourages readers to consult with experts and consider their organization's circumstances when making leadership decisions.