180. Expert Interview: Managing Yourself 101–It All Starts with Self-Awareness

“When I think about career planning, it really is about career management and the person that you are managing—yourself. So, everything always starts with self-awareness, because you can’t manage what you don’t know and understand. And the more management information you have, the better you can manage. So that’s always a starting point, because every person is unique and to manage this unique entity—that’s you—you really have to have that good self-awareness, that good management information. That would include things like your strengths, your struggles, your values, and priorities.”

Managing oneself demands a few basic principles: • It begins with self-awareness. What are your strengths and talents? • What are your driving values? What do you want from your work? Your work environment? What’s your purpose? • Learn to live with ambiguity: Often the best path is not the easiest or clearest. • Know when it’s time to shift gears, or even quit. There are always other, often better, opportunities. • Don’t do it alone. Take the counsel of trusted friends and allies.

Leading with Honor: Leadership Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton, by Leon Lee Ellis