Leading by Example: The Power of Self-Leadership In leadership, one often hears the phrase, “lead by example.” It’s a timeless principle that highlights the importance of demonstrating the behaviours and values you wish to instil in others. But what if we take it a step further? What if the key to effective leadership lies not only in leading by example but also in leading oneself first? This is key right here… “By leading yourself first, you demonstrate how to help others learn.” When I was younger, I barged through life, saying things I’d been learned through school, family and community and shooting from the hip. I come from the country, and things are real out there. The weather, the flies, and the straight-shooting words that flow from people’s mouths. When I moved to different countries and worked in large cities I continued. Yes, I got promoted, probably because I was good at my job. But the issue was my emotional intelligence was low. I didn’t fully understand the impact of my words and actions on others. It wasn’t until I was forced to stop and reflect on my experiences that I realised the importance of self-leadership. This is when I truly began to grow as a leader. Through self-awareness and continuous learning, I recognised the need to improve my emotional intelligence and develop a more empathetic and inclusive leadership style. By leading myself first, I was able to create a more positive and supportive work environment. An environment where people loved to come to work, and the team thrived. Self-leadership can be hard as we often don’t know what we are projecting out into the world. It involves understanding strengths and weaknesses, setting clear goals, staying disciplined, and constantly striving for personal growth. When you lead yourself well, you set a powerful example for others to follow. Leaders in Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) play a pivotal role in shaping the culture, values, and practices within their organisations. When RTOs are dedicated to providing high-quality training and education, they are impacted by their leaders. Leaders who exhibit a commitment to continuous learning and self-improvement inspire their teams to do the same. By leading by example in this regard, they create an environment where staff and students are encouraged to seek out opportunities for growth and development. Enhancing Training Delivery: RTO leaders who lead themselves effectively demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and improvement. This mindset can be infectious, inspiring trainers and instructors within the organisation to adopt a similar approach. By prioritising their own development, RTO leaders set a precedent for trainers to invest in their professional growth, ultimately leading to higher quality training delivery and improved outcomes for learners. Building a Positive Learning Culture: Leaders who embody self-awareness and emotional intelligence foster a positive and inclusive learning environment within their organisation. They understand the importance of empathy and respect in interactions with both staff and learners. Modelling behaviours such as active listening, constructive feedback, and conflict resolution sets the tone for a supportive culture where everyone feels valued and motivated to excel. Driving Organisational Growth: RTO leaders who lead themselves first are better equipped to set strategic goals and navigate challenges effectively. Their clarity of purpose and disciplined approach to decision-making inspire confidence and trust among stakeholders. By demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of change, RTO leaders encourage staff to embrace innovation and contribute to the organisation’s growth and success. Embracing the principles of self-leadership and leading by example can profoundly impact RTO leaders’ ability to drive excellence, foster innovation, and promote continuous improvement within their organisation. By prioritising their own growth and development, RTO leaders inspire their team members to do the same, ultimately enhancing the quality of training delivery and empowering learners to achieve their goals. Read more from RTO Mentor