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developing feedback systems, both formal and informal, and acting upon
the feedback received. A good leader is never above feedback or learning
from others.
A self-confident leader must also have a capacity for aloneness.
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Someone who dares to be out front of others has to be willing to carry the
blame for mistakes and to sacrifice self-satisfaction on the altar of
promoting the successes of others. Self-confident leaders are not
threatened by the success of others in the organization.
89
Self-confidence is built on real achievement accomplished by mastering
significant skills and situations, and by knowing that you can add real
value by the work you do. One of the best ways to improve your
confidence is to become aware of all of the things you've already
achieved. Feeling more comfortable with one’s accomplishments is a way
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to develop a surer sense of what one is able to offer others. One of the
values of an effective leadership development program is the increase in
the self-confidence of the participants. An organization cannot unleash the
creative power of its people when they doubt themselves.
Exercise 9: An Assessment that helps determine your level of self-
confidence can be found at:
http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newTCS_84.htm.
Self-Directed
Before we can lead others, we must be able to lead ourselves first. Kristi
Staab, a leadership trainer.
Self-directed leaders choose to lead their lives by their own design, not by
default. They tend to have a clear sense of purpose, which is evidenced
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by their behavior. Work with a purpose affects performance in a very
meaningful way. Leaders who are self-directed are very aware of their
88 Charles Handy, “The New Language of Organizing and Its Implications for Leaders,” The Leader of the
Future. San Francisco CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers, 1996, p. 9.
89 Alfred C. DeCrane, Jr. “A Constitutional Model of Leadership.” Frances Hesselbein, et.al. editors. The
Leader of the Future. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers, 1996. p. 255.
90 http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_50.htm.
91 Kristi Staab, “Lead Like a Rock Star: Why Self-Directed Leaders Are Authentic Leaders,” Phoenix
Business Journal, March 27, 2013.
David Kolzow 75
