Core Concepts: Talking the Talk and Walking the Walk - 5 Ways to be True to Yourself

Knowing Self-Aware Leadership Minimalistical

Hello KSKOers

Welcome to today’s Knowing Self-Aware Leadership ‘Core Concepts’ minimalistical!

In this week’s paid article, I’ve talked about my thoughts on my next career step and how it’s important to follow your own path and be authentically you. Whether you're leading a team, working solo, or somewhere in between, the key to success lies in staying true to who you are.

You can read the full article here.

Looking forward to joining you on your learning journey!

• Choose the Environment That Gives You Purpose: Solopreneurship works well for many people, offering freedom and autonomy, but not everyone thrives in that space. If working within a team, contributing to a shared mission and being part of something bigger brings you energy and satisfaction, honour that. Choose the workplace and environment that helps you do your best work.

• Lead Through Lived Experience: Leadership is most effective when it’s grounded in real-life challenges. To speak with authority and offer meaningful insight, stay engaged in the day-to-day realities of leadership. It keeps ideas relevant and builds genuine credibility.

  

• Model the Behaviour You Want to See: People look to leaders for cues on how to act. Whether it's punctuality, empathy or professionalism, what leaders do sets the tone for everyone else. Be mindful that your actions ripple through the culture you’re shaping.

• Learn by Doing and Help Others Do the Same: Growth often comes from direct experience. Seek out opportunities to stretch your skills and encourage those around you to do the same. Leadership is about creating space for others to learn as they go, not just giving instructions.

• Apply Knowledge in Meaningful Ways: Knowledge matters, but it only has value when it’s put into practice. Connect theory with action. Let research, experience and curiosity guide your leadership style so that it’s informed, intentional and effective.

• Stay Connected to Organisational Reality: Insight comes from understanding the systems and situations people are navigating. Being inside an organisation, experiencing its pressures, people and politics, enables a leader to lead with clarity, empathy and context.

• Appreciate All Paths, but Walk Your Own: There’s no single route to success. Whether employed or self-employed, make sure your path reflects your own values and motivations. Respect the choices of others, and have confidence in your own.

  

• Keep People at the Centre of Your Leadership: Relationships, team dynamics and organisational culture are the heart of leadership. Prioritise these human elements. They’re what sustain trust, foster innovation and create meaningful progress.

• Be Clear on Your Values and Align Your Actions: Know what drives you, what matters most, and make decisions that align with those values. When your work and your beliefs are in sync, you lead with authenticity and integrity, and that’s when leadership has its greatest impact.

The Last Word

The most powerful leadership comes from walking a path that truly aligns with your values, beliefs and strengths. Talk your talk and walk your walk. Whether you’re part of a team or flying solo, stay grounded in purpose, keep learning through experience and lead with integrity. Leadership is not just about guiding others, it’s also about staying honest with yourself. Are you walking a path that’s really yours?

Nia is an expert leader who talks the talk and walks the walk. She is an academically awarded thought leader in self-aware leadership and practices self-aware leadership every single day in her role as a Director in a Children’s Charity.

Find out more about Self-Aware Leadership by getting your very own copy of The Self-Awareness Superhighway! It’s an Amazon Best Seller in.....

• 🥇Business Management & Leadership

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