Leadership Basics Most High-Achievers Miss

"I want to be more validated and respected as a leader.”

I hear this often in my work with successful, high-achieving leaders. You have the credentials and you’ve achieved impressive results. But deep down, you long for the recognition and respect you know you deserve.

So how do you increase your leadership effectiveness?

Here’s the surprising truth: most people think leadership is about leading others. And of course, that matters.
But in my years of experience - in business, in the community, and at home - I’ve learned this:

👉 True leadership begins with leading yourself.

It’s the single most important leadership principle high-achievers tend to overlook.

As Robin Sharma puts it:
 “You can’t lead others until you have first learned to lead yourself.”

Here are seven fundamentals I coach my clients on to strengthen self-leadership:

1. You know where you're going both personally and professionally.
You lead with clarity, anchored by a bold, meaningful vision for your future.
2. You maintain an excellent attitude.
Your mindset shapes your outcomes. You choose optimism and personal power, without denying reality.
3. You take 100% responsibility.
You follow through. You own your results. No blaming, complaining, or excuses. You pause and respond rather than react.
4. You build habits that support your goals.
Your routines reflect your values. You’re consistent, disciplined, and intentional.
5. You stay coachable and committed to growth.
You welcome feedback. You lean into discomfort. You seek to get better (not just be right).
6. You make intentional decisions.
You say “no” to what doesn’t serve your vision. You stop people-pleasing. You act with focus and purpose.
7. You align your mindset with the results you want.
You don’t leave success to chance. You visualize your success. You think, believe, and behave like someone who’s already achieved it.
    

Self-leadership isn’t always glamorous but it’s what builds the trust, influence, and respect you’re seeking. 
It’s how people come to see you as a true leader.

 
Want to go deeper?
 Join me for Aspire & Thrive: A High-Achiever’s Guide to Thriving in a Shifting World, a free, high-impact Masterclass designed to help you elevate your leadership, align with your vision, and unlock your next level of success.  Learn more and register here.