Leadership and Self-Concept: Are you Evolving or Stagnant?

At the start of a New Year, as resolutions are written and goals are set, there is a sense of optimism and hope for what the year will bring. However, with time, as goals are not achieved and resolutions are postponed to the following year, most people either come up with excuses or are resigned to their fate of failing to live up to the aspiration of ‘New Year, New Me!’ As a Leadership and Career Coach, I have worked with many Executives that set their intentions to embrace new challenges at work and further their personal development plans. I have found that the core problem with failing to make these aspirational shifts, is the tendency to cling to old identities and self-concepts that do not match the envisioned realties that people seek. Aspiring leaders or leaders that wish to ascend to new levels of leadership hold themselves back with limiting beliefs about themselves. As individuals we are all on a path to higher levels and growth. This evolution of self requires us to shed previous limitations that we have surpassed and take on new identities.

Leadership is often regarded as the ability to inspire, influence, and guide others toward a shared goal or vision. However, what many overlook is the pivotal role that self-concept plays in shaping effective leadership. Self-concept—the understanding and perception we have of ourselves—affects how we lead, make decisions, communicate, and engage with others.

This article aims to explore the complex relationship between leadership and self-concept.

What is Self-Concept?

Self-concept is the mental image or idea we have about ourselves. It encompasses our self-esteem, self-worth, and self-identity. It is shaped by a variety of factors including experiences, relationships, feedback from others, and personal reflections. In essence, self-concept is how we see ourselves and how we believe others see us.

I have taught Executive and Undergraduate classes on Self-Development, and I have found one of the most transformative lessons for students is the belief that self-concept is fluid. Our self-concept is dynamic and can evolve over time, especially as we encounter new experiences, challenges, and perspectives. It is an internal framework that guides our thoughts, emotions, and actions, and has a profound impact on our leadership approach. What you believe about yourself is extremely powerful. These beliefs will shape your life both consciously and unconsciously. I truly believe that this is the most important lesson in personal development. You are creating the world around you based on your beliefs, and you will seek and find evidence that confirms these beliefs. This can either empower you or disempower you, depending on what these beliefs are. Working with a Coach can help you to examine these beliefs and root out disempowering beliefs that are derailing your success.

The Role of Self-Concept in Leadership

A leader with a strong, positive self-concept is more likely to make confident, decisive choices. When individuals believe in their own abilities and have a clear sense of who they are, they are better equipped to take calculated risks and make tough decisions. Conversely, leaders with a negative self-concept may second-guess themselves, hesitate, or avoid decision-making altogether, which can hinder progress and demotivate teams. Remember, everyone that embarks on the leadership path is green. They will make mistakes, they will be scared, they will be indecisive. However, this path is also a path of growth. You are not the same person who started in that first leadership role. Do not define yourself based on inexperience and mistakes. Avoid labelling yourself.

I once encountered an Executive in my ‘Effective Communication for Leaders’ class who had been labelled a ‘poor communicator,’ many years ago. She had allowed this label to shape her behaviour. She did not speak up in class and she shared that she avoided certain work assignments because she knew she was a poor communicator. During the group activity, she was having so much fun that she forgot her label and impressed and entertained the whole class. When I asked her to reflect on the fact that she was a good public speaker and the class affirmed their collective agreement, she was wide-eyed with surprise. She told me that she began to question her beliefs and since that session she has successfully engaged in public speaking activities. Question all your labels. Do not let other people’s labels of you take root and diminish you.

Emotional Intelligence and Empathy

Leaders with a strong self-concept tend to have better emotional intelligence. They are more in tune with their own emotions, which helps them understand and regulate their reactions. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Emotional Intelligence was rated as one of the top attributes of outstanding and effective leaders. The ability to relate with and understand others is crucial for you to become an effective leader.

Regularly take time to reflect on your experiences, strengths, and areas for improvement. Journaling, mindfulness, introspection and coaching can help you gain clarity about your values, motivations, and leadership style.

Resilience and Adaptability

We are living in challenging times, Leadership often involves navigating uncertainty, setbacks, and challenges. Leaders with a positive and resilient self-concept are better equipped to bounce back from adversity. Their sense of self-worth enables them to view failure as an opportunity for growth, rather than a reflection of their personal inadequacies.

Using empowering affirmations can help you to develop resilience and core beliefs that serve you. Your subconscious mind is always listening to everything you say. Do not say negative things about yourself. Regular positive affirmations will empower you. Even if they feel aspirational and do not reflect your present reality, remember you are the Creator of your reality. You are creating your future self.

Embrace a Growth Mindset

Cultivate a growth mindset by viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and development. A growth-oriented leader is more resilient and open to change, which is key to adapting in today’s fast-paced world. Set personal leadership goals that align with your values and long-term vision. These goals can guide your development and help you stay focused on improving your leadership capabilities.

Enrolling in Executive Leadership classes or other classes aligned with your goals can fast track your success as these courses are tailored to equip you with the skills you need as you progress up the Leadership ladder. Every new rung on that ladder will demand new capabilities and competencies from you. Investing in yourself will give you the skills that breed confidence and shift your self-concept towards your desired state. Remember, if you do not believe in yourself then no one will. Believe that you already embody your desired self and keep shedding anything that limits and disempowers you. This is going to be one of the most successful years of your life. Believe it, affirm it, and create it.

Article de Shailja Sharma, membre du corps enseignant du SBS et coach en leadership et en carrière