Self Leadership

In the weekend lecture by Professor O' Neal, he stated that leadership begins with the self. An individual must address and acknowledge their own weaknesses and failings and minimize them in order to develop into a great leader.

Great leaders will surround themselves with great people, and they will develop and encourage their followers to "surpass me in every way", and they will continually work to minimize the effects of their personal weaknesses.

One classic method to address personal weakness is to use Benjamin Franklin's thirteen virtues in your own life. Use them everyday and reflect through the use of a daily journal on how well you implemented each in your day.

1. Temperance. Eat not to Dullness. Drink not to Elevation.

2. Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling Conversation.

3. Order. Let all your Things have their Places. Let each Part of your Business have its Time.

4. Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.

5. Frugality. Make no Expense but to do good to others or yourself: i.e. Waste nothing.

6. Industry. Lose no Time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary
Actions.

7. Sincerity. Use no hurtful Deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak
accordingly.

8. Justice. Wrong none, by doing Injuries or omitting the Benefits that are your Duty.

9. Moderation. Avoid Extremes. Forbear resenting Injuries so much as you think they deserve.

10. Cleanliness. Tolerate no Uncleanness in Body, Clothes or Habitation.

11. Tranquillity. Be not disturbed at Trifles, or at Accidents common or unavoidable.

12. Chastity. Rarely use Venery but for Health or Offspring; Never to Dullness, Weakness, or the Injury of your own or another's Peace or Reputation.

13. Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.