Leading Yourself Book Summary - Leading Yourself Book explained in key points
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Leading Yourself summary

Elizabeth Lotardo

Find Joy and Meaning in Your Job Despite Challenges and Setbacks

17 mins

Brief summary

Leading Yourself by Elizabeth Lotardo offers practical advice on self-leadership techniques. It emphasizes the importance of personal development, emotional intelligence, and adaptability, guiding readers to lead by example in both personal and professional contexts.

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    Leading Yourself
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    Overcoming the career comedown

    Starting a new career often comes with a rush of excitement – but soon enough, the reality sets in. Many people find themselves disillusioned when the job that seemed so promising turns out to be less fulfilling than expected. This common experience, sometimes called the “career comedown,” happens when the initial thrill fades, leaving behind frustration and a sense of being stuck.

    One of the main ways some people manage to avoid this pitfall is through the practice of self-leadership. Instead of waiting for joy, meaning, and opportunities to come to them, they actively create these experiences. They understand that while they can’t control everything in their work environment, they can control their mindset, their actions, and the relationships they build.

    For example, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by a micromanaging boss and endless deadlines, focus on becoming more efficient in your work and improving the communication between you. This proactive approach will lead to increased trust and more autonomy. You’ll transform your daily work into something more fulfilling.

    If you’re struggling with a lack of direction in your role and feel disconnected from your work, setting personal goals can make a difference. Seek out projects that align with your interests to inject meaning into your job. What once felt mundane can become an opportunity for growth and satisfaction.

    There are, of course, many other examples of how self-leadership can transform a career. Some people use it to climb the corporate ladder, while others find ways to balance their work with personal goals, creating a life that feels more aligned with their values. By applying the principles of self-leadership, you too can find greater satisfaction and joy in your work, no matter the challenges you face. In the following sections, you’ll find out exactly how.

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    What is Leading Yourself about?

    Leading Yourself (2023) offers practical strategies for transforming your work experience – even in less-than-ideal job situations. It provides tools to manage self-doubt, handle difficult bosses, and make informed career decisions, empowering you to take control of your professional growth.

    Who should read Leading Yourself?

    • Professionals seeking greater job satisfaction
    • Employees facing workplace challenges
    • Individuals interested in self-improvement at work

    About the Author

    Elizabeth Lotardo is a consultant, writer, and online instructor known for helping organizations foster emotional engagement in the workplace. She’s the co-author of Selling with Noble Purpose and regularly contributes to Harvard Business Review. Her expertise has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and on NPR, and she has developed numerous courses for LinkedIn Learning, focusing on leadership and purpose-driven work experiences.

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