Managing Oneself: The Foundation for Leading Others

Last week we talked about managing a sales team.  This week, we're backing up and talking about one of the main reasons that managers have problems...

In the world of business, it’s easy to focus on managing others—delegating tasks, setting expectations, and driving performance. But effective leadership starts with managing oneself. Before we can lead a team, make strategic decisions, or scale a business, we must first cultivate self-discipline, self-awareness, and personal accountability.

Why Managing Yourself Comes First

Leadership is not about control, it’s about influence. And the most powerful way to influence others is by setting the right example. If you want your team to be disciplined, focused, and productive, you must first be disciplined, focused, and productive!

Managing oneself means taking ownership of your time, energy, emotions, and personal development. It’s about showing up consistently, making intentional choices, and staying aligned with your values and goals. When leaders fail to manage themselves, it results in disorganization, poor decision-making, and a lack of credibility with their teams (not to mention a less-happy life).

Where to Start

1. Time and Prioritization

Time is our most valuable resource, yet many leaders struggle to manage it effectively. Without clear priorities, it’s easy to become reactive rather than proactive.

Strategies:

• Set clear daily and weekly priorities (consider a daily/weekly/monthly checklist for yourself).

• Use time-blocking to focus on high-value tasks (aka batching).

• Eliminate distractions and delegate low-impact work.

2. Emotional Intelligence and Self-Control

Great leaders are emotionally intelligent—they understand their emotions and manage their reactions effectively. Unchecked emotions can lead to poor decisions and relationships.

Strategies:

• Practice self-awareness by reflecting on what "pushes your buttons."

• Develop mindfulness habits such as journaling.

• Respond rather than react in challenging situations (and never send an email when you're mad).

3. Personal Discipline and Habits

Success is built on daily habits. If you lack discipline in your personal life, it will almost always show up in your business.

Strategies:

• Maintain a consistent morning routine.

• Set and track personal and professional goals.

• Avoid procrastination by breaking large tasks into smaller steps.

4. Continuous Learning and Growth

Leaders are readers!  Leaders who stop learning become stagnant. Self-management includes an ongoing commitment to personal and professional growth.

Strategies:

• Read books, listen to podcasts, and attend workshops.

• Seek mentorship or coaching.

• Regularly assess and refine your skills.

5. Health and Well-Being

Energy and stamina are critical for leadership, and they are directly linked to physical and mental health.

Strategies:

• Prioritize sleep, healthy food, and exercise.

• Set boundaries to maintain work-life balance.

• Take time for rest and reflection.

The Impact on Leading Others

When you manage yourself well, you earn the respect of your team and create a culture of accountability. Your ability to stay focused, composed, and strategic will inspire confidence in others. Employees, and even colleagues, will mirror your behaviors, making it easier to foster discipline, engagement, and performance across your organization.

By mastering self-management, you unlock your full leadership potential. Whether you’re leading a small team or running a multi-million-dollar business, the principles remain the same: before you can manage others effectively, you must first lead yourself.

Ryan Giles