Know who you are

“What happens to a man is less significant than what happens within him”.

Louis L. Mann

In Stan Toler’s book minute motivators for leaders Stan spends a chapter discussing the importance of self-evaluation as leaders. I consider anyone who has come through our course a leader. They are motivated enough to scrape up the money (or commit to a financing agreement) to pay for the education and they have chosen to step out of their comfort zone to learn something new. To be a success Toler’s word are insightful:

Neither congratulations nor criticism should take a leader by surprise. That’s because no friend or detractor can say anything that the leader doesn’t already know. Leaders who examine themselves will avoid being swayed by flattery or wounded by criticism. They know their strengths and weaknesses and they know when they’re heading in the wrong direction.

They can accept praise without becoming conceited. They know that many of their accomplishments come form the contributions of their associates. When they accept the applause of others, they are inwardly extending a hand toward their team members.

And they can listen to criticism without taking offense. Since they have a great sense of purpose and direction, constructive criticism can only help to propel them toward their objectives.

Good leaders are comfortable in their own skin. They know what’s true about them, and they don’t mind hearing it. They also know their weakness, and so they listen to suggestions that will help them fulfill their leadership role. Leaders are honest with themselves.


These words are so true but not immediate. I think it takes time to recognize your strengths with humility knowing that you have weaknesses as well.

Moving forward,

Jeff Roach
www.brooketraining.com