Realizing the Work of Mastery of Self

Here is a quote from Leonardo da Vinci that sets the stage for our work as leaders, coaches, teachers, and human beings.

One can have no smaller or greater mastery, than mastery of oneself.

Leadership development rests on foundational work a leader must do to get to know him or herself as a person.  Developing an awareness of the history, stories, mental models, and scripts we tell ourself about who we are, where we came from, and how our past shapes our present.  In order to lead others, coach others, teach others, we must do the inner work to understand what motivates us to lead, coach or teach.  Then, how does our motivation drive us to behave in our role(s)?  Do we have the clarity of understanding we need to stand back and see ourselves clearly in our role?  This should be our daily work.

Recently, I have been reading the daily meditations from Richard Rohr, available on the website of the organization he founded, The Center for Action and Contemplation.  I find these daily meditations are some firm ground to stand on as I try to understand myself and myself in the world.  See what you think.