6 Habits of Great Leaders: Leading Yourself Before Leading Others
When people hear the word leadership, most think of CEOs, politicians, or famous figures. But here’s a truth that many overlook: everyone is a leader to himself.
You may not have a big title, a corner office, or a thousand followers. But every day, you lead the most important person in your life, yourself.
Think about it:
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You decide whether to wake up early or hit the snooze button.
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You decide whether to react with anger or respond with patience.
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You decide whether to invest in your growth or remain stagnant.
These are leadership decisions. If we cannot lead ourselves, how can we hope to lead others?
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reminded us of this reality:
“Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)
Your first flock is your own mind, your own habits, your own soul.
The challenge is this: make today better than yesterday, and tomorrow better than today. That’s the essence of self-leadership.
The 6 Habits of Great Leaders
Based on the timeless principles of leadership, here are six habits we can all practice. Let’s explore them deeply, with stories that connect to our everyday lives.
1. Listen – The Power of Being Present
Most of us listen to reply, not to understand. But great leaders listen with their hearts.
Imagine a child coming home from school, excited to share a story, but their parent is glued to the phone. The child feels unheard, and over time, stops sharing.
Now imagine the same child being met with eye contact, a smile, and curiosity. That small moment of listening builds trust for life.
In the Qur’an, Allah reminds us:
“…those who listen to speech and follow the best of it. Those are the ones Allah has guided, and those are people of understanding.”
(Surah Az-Zumar, 39:18)
Leadership starts with listening, not just to words, but to the emotions behind them.
2. Empower – Trust Brings Out the Best in People
Have you ever worked under a boss who micromanages every move? You probably felt demotivated, as if your abilities weren’t trusted.
Now compare that with a leader who believes in you, gives you ownership, and says, “I trust you to make this work.” That confidence can spark creativity and drive.
Even the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ empowered his companions. When young Usama ibn Zayd (only 17 years old) was appointed to lead an army, some questioned it. But the Prophet ﷺ trusted him, and that trust elevated him.
Empowerment is a gift that multiplies. When we trust others, we help them grow into leaders themselves.
3. Align – Everyone Needs to Belong
One of the deepest human needs is the need to belong. In teams, families, or communities, people want to feel that their presence matters.
I once heard a story of a company where janitors were included in strategy meetings. When asked why, the CEO said, “Because they keep our workplace running. Without them, our plans won’t succeed.” That simple alignment made every person feel valued.
Great leaders ensure everyone understands the bigger vision and sees their role in it.
4. Develop – Growth is the Only Way Forward
Leadership isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating growth opportunities.
Think of a teacher who doesn’t just give students information but mentors them, challenges them, and believes in their potential. Years later, those students don’t just remember the lessons; they remember the teacher who pushed them to grow.
The Prophet ﷺ nurtured growth by teaching, mentoring, and guiding his companions to become leaders after him.
In the same way, we must commit to lifelong learning, reading, reflecting, and surrounding ourselves with people who stretch us.
5. Engage – Every Voice Matters
Have you ever sat in a meeting where only one or two people spoke, while everyone else stayed silent? That’s not leadership, that’s dictatorship.
Great leaders invite voices. They ask, “What do you think?” They create safe spaces where even the quietest person can share.
In fact, during the Battle of Uhud, the Prophet ﷺ consulted his companions, young and old, before making decisions. Some of their suggestions were accepted, even when different from his initial thought. That’s engagement in action.
When people know their voices matter, they bring their hearts into the work.
6. Recognize – Never Take Effort for Granted
How often do we notice the little things people do? A kind word, a helping hand, a job done well?
Too often, we overlook these “quiet wins.” But recognition is fuel. When people feel appreciated, they give even more.
The Prophet ﷺ would personally thank and acknowledge his companions. He even gave nicknames as signs of love and recognition. Imagine the warmth that was created.
As the Qur’an says:
“…And whoever is grateful, his gratitude is only for the benefit of himself…”
(Surah Luqman, 31:12)
Gratitude builds relationships. Recognition builds trust. Together, they build lasting leadership.
Leadership is a Daily Choice
At the end of the day, leadership isn’t about titles or positions. It’s about habits—small, consistent actions repeated daily.
👉 Listen with presence.
👉 Empower with trust.
👉 Align with vision.
👉 Develop with mentoring.
👉 Engage with openness.
👉 Recognize with gratitude.
Start with yourself. Lead your heart, your time, and your actions. The rest will follow.
Remember: Every master was once a beginner. Every leader starts by leading himself.
A Call to Action
This week, choose one of these habits and practice it intentionally. Notice how it changes your day, and the people around you.
Then share your journey with others. Because the world needs more conscious leaders. And it starts with you.
✨ What habit will you start with today?
📌 Image Credit: Dora Vanourek | 6 Habits of Great Leaders
#Leadership #SelfGrowth #Inspiration #PersonalDevelopment #GreatLeaders #IslamicWisdom
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