The EQrated vol. 30
Hello Reader,
What does it take to be a great leader? Or a successful entrepreneur? Or an elite athlete? How do a select few of us reach the pinnacle of success? Is there a magic formula?
As I reflect upon these questions, I find myself inspired by the world of sport. The recently concluded Australian Open and the ongoing Winter Olympics at Beijing are full of stories of tenacity, of years of diligent practice, patience & perseverance; of meticulous planning, goal setting and awe-inspiring achievement. Is there a way to apply these principles in our personal and professional lives?
Simon Sinek famously stated, "Start with the WHY." There's a whole book about it. The underlying premise being that if we focus on our reasons for WHY we do what we do, and we communicate those reasons effectively, we will inspire more people to support us in our endeavors. Success is bound to follow.
I would like to take this a step back and amend it to "Start with the WHY, but also think about the WHO". Take some time to meditate on who you are - your strengths, your weaknesses, what makes you tick. If you don't know who you are and what you stand for intrinsically, then it's very hard to articulate the WHY extrinsically. And even if you are self-aware and have a strong belief in your capabilities, I encourage you to revisit WHO you are from time to time. Because that's the beauty of being human - we are constantly evolving.
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Our reading list on SELF AWARENESS:
What Self-Awareness Really Is (and How to Cultivate It) - Source: Harvard Business Review
Quick Take: "Research suggests that when we see ourselves clearly, we are more confident and more creative. We make sounder decisions, build stronger relationships, and communicate more effectively. We’re less likely to lie, cheat, and steal. We are better workers who get more promotions. And we’re more-effective leaders with more-satisfied employees and more-profitable companies." But, research also estimates that only "10 - 15% of people are truly self-aware". This article by author Tasha Eurich states that, "to increase productive self-insight and decrease unproductive rumination, we should ask what, not why".
Bad Leadership Stems From A Lack Of Self-Awareness — Here's How To Improve - Source: Forbes
Quick Take: "Have you ever questioned why some leaders are toxic? Why is it that when a certain person is in a leadership position, it can result in the mistreatment of a team? A lack of self-awareness generally explains overconfidence, poor judgment and the inability to learn from mistakes, build teams or relate to others." Plus 3 strategies to create a feedback culture.
What makes a great startup leader? 13 views on leadership - Source: World Economic Forum
Quick Take: What makes a great leader? Here are some views on leadership from startup founders from around the world. Among the list of skills required to make a great leader, Authenticity & Self-Awareness came in third, behind Vision and Patience. In the words of Karim Engelmark Cassimjee, cofounder & CEO of Enginzyme, "Many things are needed to keep a growing team together but trust is the foundation. And trust comes from authenticity and self-awareness. I always start any decision process, meeting or activity by asking myself what the most open and truthful path would be." What a powerful thought!
What Olympic athletes can teach us about regulating our emotions and staying dedicated - Source: The Conversation
Quick Take: "Being an Olympian not only requires immense physical talent but also an incredible amount of psychological control. While competing, athletes must effectively regulate their emotions and attention to ensure best performance. While genetics do play a role in shaping an elite athlete, life experiences and environmental factors are also very important. Characteristics such as self-efficacy develop through experience and continued support from others. Whether or not you’re training for the 2024 Paris Olympics, adopting some of the psychological skills used by Olympians can help you maintain focus and motivation in your own life.."
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To being self-aware and more in touch with ourselves...
Ciao,
Stef
Hi, I’m a creator
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