This is the second of 16 weekly installments on The 5 Pillars of Influential Leadership. Every Thursday, I will break down the 5 Pillars and show you how becoming and influential leader will not only improve your job skills but your personal life as well.
The 5 Pillars is a project that I have been working on for almost two years and am looking forward to officially launching “The 5 Pillars of Influential Leadership” Coaching program on May 16th.
Why the 5 Pillars? I have spent more than 30 years in the business world and although it has been primarily in the Construction world, the 5 Pillars philosophy works across all industries. In fact, while developing this program I realized that it can have a significant impact on your personal life as well.
I will break down each Pillar into three sections, personal, business and community. Any growth or improvement needs to start within, with the end goal of influencing the community you live in. In this post we will take a look at PERSONAL AWARENESS.
We need to know where we are at, what we have done that brought us here and most importantly, where we want to be.
FOCUS
Focus is a key element in any forward movement. Focus on your plan and on the ensuing actions. The key to focus is eliminating the distractions that impede your focus.
REFLECTION
Taking time to reflect allows you to understand where you are, where you have been and the actions required to get you where you want to be.
INTENTIONALITY
Being intentional is the first step in anything. As one of my mentors once told me, “we have to step to the line of intention before anything happens.”
LIMITING BELIEFS
I believe self-limiting beliefs hold us back more than any other factor. Henry Ford said “If you think you can or you think you can’t you’re probably right.” Eliminating those beliefs will create opportunities you have not even thought of.
HAPPINESS
The idea of being happy has little to do with circumstances or finances. It has everything to do with your expectations and outlook on life. Take a hard look at your definition of success.
HEALTH
Physical, emotional, mental or spiritual – it doesn’t matter which. Poor health in any of these will hold you back.
LIVING
John Maxwell once said “Some people are not living anymore, they just haven’t made it official yet.” Living a full life of significance will change your outlook regardless of your circumstance.
HABITS
Good habits and bad habits – we all have both. We don’t need to let the past indicate our future, but if we keep the same habits, our potential for change is limited.
PAIN
Pain is something we all deal with. The difference comes from identifying it and embracing it rather than numbing it with some type of crutch. Covering it up will not make it go away.
Alright, you have seen the format that I will layout over the next 14 weeks. My coaching program will take each topic to a much deeper level. We will explore open ended questions and how they are directly impacting your life and more specifically in this segment, will allow you to increase your level of awareness and understand exactly where you are. That is the first step in heading towards where you want to be.
In the mean time, start asking the type of questions that will result in better answers. When you ask “How can I” you get an answer that will move the needle. “How can I be more intentional in strengthening my current relationships?” Answer that question, act on it, and you will succeed.
RELATED:
- Click here to see Part 1 of The 5 Pillars Of Influential Leadership”
- For more on The 5 Pillars of Influential Leadership and to view my video click here
- To view my guest post in the 2013 International Leadership Blogathon click here
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Barry Smith www.buildingwhatmatters.com 4/11/13 photo by author
A very interesting read, will come back for a longer peruse 🙂
Thanks Sarah. Take your time, asking questions when you can think about the answer will make a big difference.
‘Any growth or improvement needs to start within’ …… well said, Barry. So often we focus on the external that we forget that the inside is where it should begin and what really matters. Great share.
Thanks Carlana. You have made a great point on the importance of our “focus”
Ok, I’m in. Looking forward to the journey. I love questions, for they are powerful engines for self-discovery and progress.
Thanks and well stated Dan. Journey is a great word as we are all on a journey. The problem is that too many have been parked at a rest stop way too long.
This looks like a great series Barry! I completely agree with you about self limiting beliefs. Our thoughts have immense power to either move us forward or keep us paralyzed.
Thanks Chivon. Personally, the 5 Pillars have helped me overcome multiple self limiting beliefs that were holding me back. Hope you find value in the upcoming posts!