Lead Yourself First: Inspiring Leadership Through Solitude is a book written by Michael S. Erwin that is an exploration of how self-reflection and time alone can help to create better, more meaningful leadership. The book follows Erwin’s journey as he discovers how leaders can develop character, connectedness, and creativity through self-reflection and solitude.
Lead Yourself First examines how leaders can embrace solitude to grow in a number of areas. Erwin explores the power of growth through self-reflection, including how to react to challenges and find peace and joy within yourself. He emphasizes the power of slowing down and taking the time to reflect on yourself and your decisions. The book delves into the challenges of leading in today’s fast-paced world and how taking time for self-reflection and solitude can help to counter those challenges.
The book further examines the challenges facing leaders in the modern era. Erwin argues that leaders today are often facing more pressures than ever before and this can lead to feelings of stress and overwhelm. He challenges leaders to slow down and find solace in their own thoughts, illuminating ways to distinguish meaningful patterns of behavior and address difficult topics that can often go unnoticed across the board.
Lead Yourself First outlines practical steps to take to embrace solitude and self-reflection. Erwin encourages readers to reflect on the details of their actions and strive to learn from both successes and failuresto gain a better perspective of their leadership. He also advocates for carving out time during the workweek for relaxation and contemplation, as well as regular engagement with nature.
Erwin follows up the book with an appendix of practical techniques for self-observation and reflection, even when in the presence of interactive distractions. The reflective techniques outlined in the appendix facilitate a grounding in one’s own presence, providing for a healthier, more productive individual.
Overall, Lead Yourself First is a powerful guide for leaders, or anyone who is seeking to develop meaningful leadership skills. Erwin draws on inspiration from his own life to illustrate his point that solitude and self-reflection can lead to strong, healthier, more authentic leaders. With its many practical tips, exercises, reflections, and stories, the book inspires readers to prioritize inner-reflection and emotional growth so that it becomes a regular practice in the pursuit of meaningful leadership.
