You can not pass on what you first don't posses

Over the last several weeks I have written on some behavior and gifting patterns that I have seen. 

Knowing our strengths and our shadows to those strengths is critical for leaders. To be self-aware is so critical. 

Authentic leadership is a superpower. 

On the flip side, being inauthentic is a leadership killer. 

To be authentic, you must know yourself. 

This takes time and intentionality.
It takes consistent reflection.
It takes allowing other people to speak into your life. 

There is no quick and easy way to grow in self-awareness. It is a lifelong journey. And it is a journey that leaders must go on. 

If you don't go on this journey, two things are likely to happen:

+ You will minimize and, in some cases, crush your leadership
+ It makes it almost impossible for you to help those you lead in their journey in self-awareness. 

To help others grow in self-awareness, you must first be on that journey yourself.

Solomon's Paradox

There is a mental model called Solomon's Paradox. This paradox is our ability to see (and help solve or navigate) others' problems, strengths, and constraints but unable to do that for ourselves. 

Let's be honest. I am better at solving other people's problems than my own. I am better at recognizing others' strengths and constraints than my own. 

When a leader is not willing to work on themselves, working on others over time is off-putting. We all know this person (or have been this person): They are great at pointing out things in others and have zero awareness of their issues. This comes across as self-righteous and arrogant.

But the person who is actively working on themselves wins influence with others... which enables them to speak into the lives of those they are leading. 

CLICK here to order my book The Leadership Greenhouse

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One of my weekly disciplines is scouring the internet for articles/tweets I can learn from and/or use with those I work with. Below are two that I hope help encourage and equip you.

Article 1- Critical thinking skills

Podcast: Jenny Williams. Soccer coach. UNLV

Three Ways I Can Help:

1 on 1's - A powerful solution to combat the isolation and loneliness that often accompanies leadership. Leading with excellence can be an uphill battle, but you don't have to face it alone. My 1-on-1 coaching is designed to be your trusted thought partner, offering thought-provoking, perspective-enhancing questions that ignite fresh insights and clarity. Together, we will delve into the depths of your leadership role, helping you gain a profound understanding of yourself and your program. Our personalized approach ensures that each session is tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.

Here is a testimony from a 1 on 1 client: "Travis has helped me become a better leader. Travis has helped me organize my thoughts and has given me so much clarity on how to lead on a day to day basis. There is no doubt that he is the biggest asset to my leadership and has reenergized my coaching style." Jeff Duncan, Head Baseball Coach, Kent State

Training Day - During this transformative experience, I will guide you through the essential principles that lay the foundation for an elite environment in your program. Our approach is entirely interactive, ensuring an engaging and dynamic learning journey for all participants.

The Tribe - What are your pain points? What do you need to do to become a better leader? To create a better environment? Join a group of like-minded coaches who get together (via Zoom) every 2nd and 4th Monday to discuss and work through principles and frameworks to help you become a better leader.