Would You Want to Work for Yourself? A Leadership Reality Check

Would I Want to Work for Me?

Leadership is often viewed as the ability to inspire and manage a team effectively, but how often do we, as leaders, step back and ask ourselves:?Would I want to work for me?

It’s a tough question—one that demands honesty and self-awareness. Yet, answering it can lead to profound growth, not just as a leader but as a person.

The Reflection Every Leader Needs

Think about the best boss you ever had. What made them great? Was it their ability to listen, their fairness, their willingness to support your growth? Now, think about the worst boss. What made them unbearable? Was it their lack of empathy, their micromanagement, or their inability to recognize your contributions?

Now, take a step back and evaluate yourself. Where do you fall on that spectrum?

What Makes a Leader Worth Working For?

1. Do I Inspire or Just Instruct??– Great leaders don’t just give orders; they inspire action. They create a vision that excites people and makes them feel like they are part of something meaningful.
2. Do I Build Trust??– A leader who creates an environment of psychological safety fosters innovation and collaboration. Do your team members feel safe voicing their opinions?
3. Do I Empower Others??– Micromanagement kills motivation. Good leaders trust their people to do their jobs while providing guidance and support when needed.
4. Do I Recognize and Appreciate??– People thrive on appreciation. A simple ‘thank you’ or acknowledgment of hard work goes a long way in building loyalty and motivation.
5. Do I Lead by Example??– People don’t follow titles; they follow actions. Are you setting a standard that others want to emulate?
6. Do I Care Beyond Work??– People are more than their job descriptions. Great leaders recognize their team members as individuals with lives, challenges, and aspirations beyond the office.

The Power of Self-Awareness

If you find yourself hesitant to answer, or if the honest answer is ‘no,’ that’s okay. The best leaders are those who continuously evolve. Leadership is not about being perfect; it’s about being willing to learn, adapt, and improve.

Ask your team for feedback. Be open to criticism. Work on areas where you can be better. The best leaders are those who never stop growing.

A Simple Challenge

Take a moment today and ask yourself:?Would I be happy working for me?

If the answer is ‘yes,’ fantastic—keep doing what you’re doing. If not, start making the changes today that will make you the kind of leader people want to work for.

Because at the end of the day, leadership isn’t about authority—it’s about impact.