Self-leadership is one of the most essential, yet often overlooked, pillars of influence. Here’s the truth: Before you can lead others well, you’ve got to master the art of leading yourself. Many leaders think influence starts outwardly; but true, lasting impact always begins within. It’s about building our own character, honing our discipline, and committing to personal growth. Now, let me tell you, this isn’t the easy road. But here’s the beauty of it—when you’re willing to put in the work, the rewards aren’t just good; they’re transformational.

Not long ago, I sat down with Mac Lake, and he shared a story that struck me. He told me about a moment in his life that was both painful and pivotal—a turning point. It was early in his career, and he was just beginning in ministry with a young family and a modest income. But something had happened that shook him: A group of colleagues had come into his office, sat him down, and told him bluntly, “Mac, you are a nice guy, but you are not a leader.”

That hit hard. He realized they were right. He was well-meaning but stuck, knowing there was something more inside him that he just couldn’t access. Maybe you’ve felt that way—knowing you’re capable of more but unsure how to unlock it.

Around that time, Mac heard about one of my leadership conferences and decided to attend. He sat in the auditorium, taking in every word, filling pages with notes, and feeling something awaken in him. Then, at the end of the day, I introduced a personal growth kit I’d put together. It had hours of leadership content, a selection of my favorite leadership books, and a 365-day journal. I told the crowd, “If you want to grow in your leadership, this kit will change your life.” But it came at a cost—a significant investment for someone just starting out.

Mac returned to his hotel that night and told his wife, Cindy, about the conference, mentioning the growth kit in passing. Cindy asked, “Did you get it?” He replied, “No way—we can’t afford it.” She looked him in the eyes and said something that would change his life forever: “Mac, how do you expect to develop others if you don’t invest in your own growth? Go get the kit—God will provide.” Her words struck him to the core.

So, the next day, Mac took a leap of faith and bought that kit. Over the next few weeks, he devoured the tapes, read every book, and filled the journal with reflections and insights. That personal growth plan didn’t just change his leadership—it changed his life.

There’s a difference between leadership skills and leadership values. As I often say, skills without values is manipulation—you need both to lead well. That’s why I’m thrilled to introduce Leading Yourself: Developing the Character and Competency to Lead Yourself. Mac has dedicated his life to equipping leaders with the tools they need to grow, and he brings a wealth of wisdom to this book. In Leading Yourself, Mac offers more than theories—he provides practical, step- by-step guidance for leaders at any level to grow in both character and competency. Mac’s approach is structured, insightful, and, most importantly, actionable.

What makes this book particularly impactful is Mac’s emphasis on growing within a community. Leading Yourself is designed to be read, shared, and applied with others, whether it’s with friends, colleagues, or your team. Mac has even included a facilitator guide to enrich the group experience, ensuring that this isn’t a journey you take alone. As you engage with others in discussion, you’ll find that growth is accelerated by the insights and accountability of your community—a principle I’ve seen proven time and time again.

Mac’s pursuit of self-leadership is one of intentionality and persistence. His wisdom comes not just from study but from real-life experience and years of learning from and investing in leaders from all walks of life. This book is the culmination of that commitment, and it serves as a powerful tool for anyone ready to take their personal growth seriously.

If you’re willing to invest in yourself, Leading Yourself will be a catalyst for lasting change. So I encourage you to dive in, mark it up, and commit to this journey of self-leadership. Trust me—investing in your growth is one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. Like Mac, you won’t be the same.