4 Principles of Personal Mastery
- Lee Self
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Before you can lead teams, you must first lead yourself. Personal mastery is the foundation of effective leadership: the discipline of aligning who you are with how you lead.
Personal mastery starts with the person, not the title.
The best strategy won’t matter if leaders can’t lead themselves. The most effective CEOs balance courage with humility, confidence with curiosity, and resilience with vulnerability. This isn’t “soft” work, it’s the discipline that sustains bold vision.
Emotional intelligence is non-negotiable. Leaders who pause, reflect, and stay grounded under pressure build trust and credibility. Personal mastery means aligning your values with your vision, so every decision comes from a place of authenticity, not reaction.
Self-mastery begins within
Self-awareness is the foundation.
Ask: Who am I? What is my purpose? What drives me?
Courage + Humility = Credibility
Courage + Humility = Credibility
Courage without humility turns into arrogance; humility without courage limits impact.
Admit what you don't know.
Emotional intelligence is non-negotiable
Understand your emotions and their impact.
Seek 360° feedback to uncover blind spots, and learn to respond calmly under stress.
Manage energy, not just time
Protect your priorities and set boundries.
Schedule recovery: family time, exercise, reading.
REF creates a safe space where business leaders can cultivate this self-awareness and alignment.
👉 How are you investing in your own personal mastery this week?
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Lee Self
REF - Northern VA
703-402-5065 - Schedule a meeting with me
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