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How to be a self-leader
This article looks at the theoretical foundations of self-leadership.
In the previous step, you reviewed the principles and behavioural aspects of courageous followers. In this step, you are introduced to self-leadership as an important practice both for followers and leaders.
The concept of self-leadership was first used in 1983 by Charles Manz who defined it as:
a comprehensive self-influence perspective that concerns leading oneself”.
Whilst self-leadership is defined by Bryant and Kazan (2012) as:
the practice of intentionally influencing your thinking, feeling and actions towards your objective/s.
Self-efficacy vs self-determination
The theoretical foundation of self-leadership is Bandura’s self-efficacy theory and Deci’s self-determination theory. Self-efficacy theory explains how people can influence their own cognition, motivation, and behaviour and continuously interact with their environment while self-determination theory suggests that the extent of self-motivation depends on the degree to which the follower’s behaviour or actions are autonomous or controlled.
Self-leaders constantly develop three main characteristics:
- Self-awareness: Self-leaders know their intentions and values, as well as what can derail them.
- Self-confidence: Self-leaders know their strengths and abilities. They increase their level of self-confidence as they take action and develop skills.
- Self-efficacy: Self-leaders believe in their ability to manage the challenges and constraints they face. They accept feedback, adjust their behaviour and constantly improve.
Self-leadership explains how self-leaders think and how they behave according to cognitive, motivational and behavioural strategies.
- Cognitive strategies: Self-leaders create positive habitual thought patterns and avoid negative destructive self-talk.
- Motivational strategies: To increase intrinsic motivation, self-determination, and feelings of competence, self-leaders integrate pleasant and enjoyable features into their activities which makes their roles and tasks naturally rewarding.
- Behaviour strategies: Self-leaders build self-awareness and manage their personal behaviour through methods such as personal goal setting, self-reward, self-punishment, self-observation and self-indication.
Reflect & Reply
Please reflect upon the key question below and respond using the comments section below.
In what ways do your own self-leadership practices or behaviours play a role in your professional or personal life?
References
Manz, C. C. (1983). The art of self-leadership: Strategies for personal effectiveness in your life and work. UpperSaddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Bryant, A. Kazan, A. (2012). Self-Leadership. How to become a more successful, efficient and effective leader inside out. New York: McGraw Hill
This article is from the online course:
How to Harness Followership for Leadership Success
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How to Harness Followership for Leadership Success
