Leading teams to success. Quotes from the greats in my life.

Things that kept me up at night as a service business owner

I was recently asked how I am able to be so calm in my dealings with my team, even through huge challenges and three major thoughts came to mind.

ONE - I am not. I work so hard at my mindset, my determination, my grit, my self love, my self worth, my discipline and I am not always winning, in fact there are many nights that I sit in the dark and wonder what I am going to do. I believe, you’re not even in the arena of business until you have done this at least a few times!

TWO - is something that my dad said to me in 2020. I was mid - pandemic panicking about the plethora of challenges that we were facing as a business and as an incredible business man, I looked to him for some sense of security, stability. He looked me straight in the eye and said something I will never forget. Kelly, anyone can steer a ship in calm seas. He was right, the seas were the choppiest they had ever been and I was at the helm of a ship carrying 10 passengers that I cared about deeply. It was go time.

and THREE is a sentiment that rings in my ears, pretty much every day and something that my Coach says regularly - Leadership is influence AND leadership is symbolic.

In the realm of leadership, influence is often regarded as the cornerstone of success. But what does it truly mean to lead with influence? At its core, leadership is about inspiring and guiding others towards a common goal, and this ability to influence others is rooted in a leader's own self-leadership.

Self-Leadership: The Starting Point

Before we can effectively lead others, we must first master self-leadership. Self-leadership encompasses self-awareness, self-regulation, and a clear understanding of one's values and goals. Leaders who practice self-leadership are able to manage their emotions, behaviors, and decisions effectively, which in turn allows them to inspire trust and confidence in their teams.

Self-leadership also involves continuous self-improvement and a commitment to personal growth. Leaders who invest in their own development through learning, reflection, and seeking feedback are better equipped to handle challenges and lead their teams through adversity. I can definitely attest to that. In 2020 I was fresh out of a 5 day Sydney conference with Tony Robbins - the godfather of personal development. I had WALKED ON FIRE, I had spent 5 days solid working on my mindset AND I had experienced 8 years of business Coaching with my own Coach, Jason. I was so well equipped to steer that ship.

Influence: The Power to Inspire

Once a leader has established a solid foundation of self-leadership, they can then begin to wield influence. Influence is not about exerting control or authority over others; rather, it is about inspiring and motivating them to willingly follow and contribute towards shared objectives.

Effective leaders use their influence to build strong relationships, foster collaboration, and empower their team members. They communicate with clarity and empathy, listen actively to others' perspectives, and make decisions that align with the team's values and objectives. By demonstrating integrity and authenticity in their actions, leaders can earn the respect and loyalty of their teams, which I have experienced is essential for achieving long-term success.

Above all of that through, the inner journey of learning this for myself year in and year out has been one of the biggest blessings in my life, these learnings extend beyond my team, they positively impact my family and my community which I am forever grateful for.

The Impact of Leadership

When leaders prioritise self-leadership and cultivate influence, they create environments where teams can thrive. Teams led by influential leaders who practice self-leadership are more engaged, innovative, and resilient. They are better equipped to navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities, driving continuous improvement and achieving desired outcomes, in business this means enhanced productivity and profit and for me this also means a meaningful contribution to my teams lives. I believe thats what it is all about.

Tony Robbins says that Business is a spiritual game. I couldn’t agree more. We grow and expand in our capacity as humans and as leaders and everyone wins - especially us.