In this solo episode, Mike Simmons discusses leadership from the perspective of self-leadership. He emphasizes the importance of looking inward before seeking leadership from others. Mike provides practical insights into building leadership skills through self-reflection, goal-setting, and problem-solving. He also touches on how mindset plays a crucial role in the journey to effective leadership.

1. “If you're looking for leadership, start with a mirror.”
2. “Leadership is how we move forward, and to do that, we must first know where we are and where we want to go.”
3. “Before we can lead others, we must first demonstrate that we can lead ourselves well.”

In this episode, Mike explores the essence of leadership by starting with self-leadership. He shares practical tools for decision-making, goal-setting, and problem-solving, all while reinforcing the importance of mindset. Simmons encourages listeners to take personal responsibility and develop the skills necessary to move themselves and others forward.

1. Leadership Starts with Self

   • Leadership begins by looking inward.
   • Know where you are and where you want to go.
   • Develop the ability to lead yourself before leading others.

2. Clarity and Goal-Setting

   • Define clear objectives and goals for yourself.
   • Reflect on where you are versus where you want to be.
   • Use goal-setting frameworks to guide your decisions.

3. Problem-Solving

   • Define the problem clearly before seeking solutions.
   • Consider different perspectives to avoid blind spots.
   • Use frameworks like the Catalyst A.C.T.S. hexagon to solve problems effectively.

4. Mindset and Continuous Learning

   • Adopt a growth mindset; be open to learning and feedback.
   • Avoid complacency by continuously applying new skills.
   • Learn, think, act, and reflect regularly to maintain progress.

5. Leadership as Service

   • Leadership is about serving others, not about titles.
   • Lead by example, doing your own work well.
   • Build trust through clear communication and alignment of goals.