Welcome to Pillar 9: You
Lead from the inside out—clarify your values, protect your wellbeing, and align your actions.
“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” — Aristotle
“You” is the foundation of sustainable leadership. When your values, habits, and boundaries are clear, decisions get easier, your presence steadier, and your impact stronger. This pillar helps you align who you are with how you lead—every day.
Introduction
Reflective Prompt
Which three values matter most to you as a leader? Where do your daily choices reflect—or drift from—them?
Quick Poll (1–10)
How aligned do your current routines feel with your values and wellbeing?
Where Are You Starting From?
Rate each statement from 1 (Never) to 5 (Always).
- I can name my top 3 leadership values without hesitation.
- My calendar reflects those values most weeks.
- I maintain healthy boundaries with time, tech, and work.
- I protect sleep, movement, and recovery as non-negotiables.
- I notice stress signals early and respond with resets.
- I say “no” or “not now” when requests misalign with priorities.
- I seek feedback and reflect without becoming defensive.
- I practice gratitude or reflection to stay grounded.
- I have a short personal mission statement that guides decisions.
- I model self-respect so others feel permission to care for themselves.
Scoring Guide
10–25: Early Awareness — Clarify values and protect basic wellbeing.
26–40: Growing Skills — Align calendar, boundaries, and resets.
41–50: Thriving — Clear alignment and resilient self-leadership.
Reflection: What one routine would most align “You” with how you lead this month?
Download Self-Assessment (PDF)
Listen & Learn: “Leading Yourself First”
Practical ways to align values, boundaries, and daily leadership behaviors.
Guided Listening Worksheet (PDF)
Quick Knowledge Check
- What’s one sign your calendar isn’t aligned to your values?
- Which boundary could you set to protect your wellbeing?
- True/False: Saying “no” can strengthen trust.
Put “You” Into Action
Choose one strategy to try this week.
Scenario Challenge
You’re asked to join a new committee that clashes with your current priorities. What’s your response?
Show options
- Say yes and figure it out later.
- Decline kindly with your rationale and propose an alternative timeline or person. ✅ (Correct)
- Ignore the request.
Your 60-Second Self-Compassion Reset
Reduce harsh self-talk and return to wise action.
- Notice: “This is a moment of stress.” (slow breath)
- Normalize: “Struggle is human; others feel this too.”
- Nurture: Place a hand on heart/abdomen; soften shoulders and jaw.
- Next: Ask, “What’s one kind, effective step I can take now?”
Self-Reflection Questions
- Which value do you want your calendar to reflect more clearly?
- Where will one boundary create the biggest relief?
- What’s a daily ritual that keeps you grounded?
- How will you model healthy self-leadership for your community?
You Recap & Next Steps
- Clarity of values guides calm, consistent leadership.
- Boundaries and recovery protect your best presence.
- Align actions to identity—daily and visibly.
3-2-1 Reflection
3 insights · 2 actions this week · 1 message to your team
Mini Quiz
- What’s one sign your routines align with your values?
- Give an example of a healthy boundary for leaders.
- True/False: Saying “no” is incompatible with service-oriented leadership.
