The_Essential_Manager_s_Handbook

DEVELOPING YOURSELF / 125

Journaling

Great leaders possess self-awareness

and character—attributes acquired

through reflection and self-analysis,

but also through dealing regularly

with real-life situations. Using a private

journal to write down what you have

learned about yourself in your day-to-

day life can be very helpful. Record, for

example, how you have helped someone

else develop and learn, and how this has

honed your own strengths as a leader.

Use your journal to make personal

observations about how you respond to

different conditions—what happens when

you are tired or stressed? The pages

of the journal can help you record and

work through relationships that you are

enjoying or struggling with, and to reflect

on the highs and lows of your moods that

you could not reveal in the workplace.

At first, journaling may seem like

a chore; and initially your journal may not

contain many connections or life lessons.

But after a number of weeks, you’ll find

that journaling becomes a habit that gives

structure to your review and thinking

time. Looking back over your journal

will reveal how your leadership has

developed, how you can trust yourself,

even in difficult situations, and what

are the recurring issues.

KEEP YOUR FEET ON

THE GROUND

Never become so grand

that you lose touch with

what it feels like to work

with a customer on a project

or to make a sale. Recognize

that your role is now to help

others enjoy this too.

Tip

ASK YOURSELF...

YES NO

1 Are your most time-consuming tasks related to

processes? Do you need to develop time or project

management skills, or planning abilities? .....................................

2 Are your most time-consuming tasks related to

content? Do you need to address a lack of knowledge

in areas like marketing, finance, sales, or IT? ................................

3 Are your most time-consuming tasks related to people?

Do you need training in recruitment, motivation,

team-building, coaching, or delegating? .........................................

About your development needs

Assess your progress

against your leadership

competencies

US_124-125_Developing_yourself.indd 125 31/05/16 5:29 pm