Volume XXIII, Number 34 (Issue 1143) August 18, 2025
Short Takes on Leadership – Part V
Self-Aware Being self-aware is knowing one’s strengths, weaknesses, skills and knowledge gaps, along with areas that need (and are capable of) improvement. That said, the need for and value in self-awareness is not confined to those serving in a leadership capacity. Conversely, blind spots or the lack of self-awareness make for a perilous situation – not only for those with positional authority but for their team and organization too. We all have a touch of vision impairment. It comes with the territory. When it comes to how we see ourselves we tend to either fool ourselves or not know what we do not know. That is why honest feedback or the willingness of others to speak truth to power together is so vitally important. The same is true for our capacity to hear, learn, and positively respond to the feedback that comes our way. We cannot grow or fix what is broken if it is not brought to our attention.
I have known countless individuals who were arguably the smartest individual in the room at any given time. However, having a store of knowledge and a lightning-fast intellect are not the be all end all. A good measure of emotional intelligence is also needed. Combine the qualities of IQ and EQ with the ability to communicate, teach, and inspire and what we can accomplish is only constrained by resources and imposed hurdles that might get in our and our team’s way.
A Servant’s Heart Show me a leader who does not put others first, who does not do all they can to help their people realize their potential and I will show you a selfish, self-centered individual who thinks more of themselves than is warranted. In that regard such individuals are but pretenders to the throne, not to mention budding if not full-blown narcissists.
Character matters. Ethics matter. People in positions of authority lead by example. It may be a good example or a not so good example – but example
it is. Granted, we all have our quirks and shortcomings. Leaders are no exception. Thus, no example is perfect. That is why self-awareness is so vitally important. Likewise, transparency or the willingness to own and disclose one’s mistakes is a key piece of the leadership must-haves.
One of the remarkable things about a servant’s heart is in serving others, in helping others, the good that is unleashed is transformative. Whether it is barely perceptible, as in the flap of a butterfly’s wings, or monumental in scale, like the development of a cure for cancer, each of us can make a difference. A leader’s impact may be noticed more because as a leader they are by definition responsible for others and their well-being.
To quickly recap this series, leadership matters. Leadership is complicated. To be effective, leaders need to have command of a variety of skills and attributes, though they will never master the entire spectrum of valuable traits. Understanding that, owning one’s shortcomings, and finding one or more colleagues who can fill those voids makes for better outcomes, i.e., collaboration is key to mitigating our weaknesses. Investing in others and their development is vital, as is having a good moral compass and servant’s heart or mentality. The good news is being a better leader or version of oneself is within our means. It just takes self-awareness, the willingness to hear the hard truth about ourself, the desire to grow, and the dedication to see it through. A measure of dumb luck – being in the right place at the right time – does not hurt either.
There is more I could say about being an effective leader, but for now this will have to do. Thus, barring some shiny object grabbing my attention, next week we will turn our gaze to the impact of seminal events on our course.
Soli Deo Gloria
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
J. Keith Hughey
Mobile: (210) 260-0955
E-mail: keith@jkeithhughey.com
Website: www.jkeithhughey.com
Transforming Potential into Unmatched Performance
Copyright 2025 by J. Keith Hughey. All rights reserved. Permission is hereby granted for reproduction and redistribution of this essay as provided under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Recent issues of Musings may be found at www.jkeithhughey.com. Your comments are always welcome.