"The greatest source of transforming the world is in transforming yourself."
This great quote is from a great podcast I had the opportunity to listen to the other day, with Professor Hitendra Wadhwa of Columbia Business School. The 17-minute podcast focuses on personal leadership, with an emphasis on the personal qualities needed to become a true leader.
The pillars that Dr. Wadhwa identifies are:
- Purpose or Drive: what compels you to do what you do -there has to be something that propels you forward;
- Wisdom or Mastery: what you contribute to the conversation in knowledge, skills, or experience;
- Interface between you and the world: the emotional quotient you bring to your work- kindness, empathy, compassion;
- Self-realization: your core insights - you don't need others' approval because validation comes from within; and
- Growth: your potential to learn and discover.
There's also a Q+A part of the podcast, where Dr. Wadhwa gets into how someone knows they are a true leader, and how leaders keep growing (hint: surround yourself with inspiration).
A final insight: positive change in your self and your relationships creates a concurrent change in structures. So if you are looking to create a great organization, look inside first.
Enjoy listening to the podcast, and please be in touch if I can help you become a better leader!