I took a personal journey while reading Leadership from the Inside Out, Becoming a Leader for Life by Kevin Cashman.
I expected a book with “how-to” steps on leadership, but instead got a “self-help” book that used reflection and personal awareness to build leadership.
This approach is extremely useful. How can one be a leader to many if they do not understand themselves?
It is so clear worded like that, but this question is often forgotten. Many leaders, bosses, managers, even team members, attempt to work with and lead others without knowing how to work and understand themselves.
This doesn’t always end bad, but it severely diminishes each person’s potential.
The overall strength of this book was the organization of leadership skills and how they built on one another. Cashman connected each “personal mastery” to the last one discussed, which created the feeling of a journey through understanding.
The Personal Mastery, Purpose Mastery and Interpersonal Mastery chapters read smoothly and were easy to engage with. They included personal stories from Cashman and explanation of awareness, authenticity, values, purpose, conflict, and relationships.
Each chapter ended with the same “Leadership Growth Plan” reflection. The continuity of this feature allowed my reflections to get better each chapter, which showed me I was learning the concepts and growing as a person and leader.
The workbook feature in Leadership From the Inside Out was life-changing. I have scanned and saved copies of my responses to my computer because I honestly believe they will help me understand myself and my goals.
So, I learned that if I understand myself and find Personal Mastery, I will be able to contribute more to any work that I do.
Sounds about right, right?
As a senior in college, I feel kind of lost. I am sitting on the edge of a huge life change, not yet sure what awaits me.
I personally have a severe anxiety disorder (of which I rarely tell anyone, so here I go writing it on the internet), so I fear change and the unknown more than most others, to the point where my body is physically affected.
This book taught me about my thoughts and why I should trust myself. The lessons in Leadership From the Inside Out are useful for more than just executives and other leaders.
Leadership from the Inside Out showed me how to be my own leader and not let life pass me by.
So, thanks Kevin Cashman. Thanks for not only calming me down, but showing me how self-awareness will greatly affect my leadership authenticity, communication, and relationships.
