The Self Aware Leader with Jason Rigby Jason Rigby

Hey leaders, Jason Rigby here, your host of The Self-Aware Leader Podcast. Today, we're diving into the first three of the 11 Leadership Principles of the United States Marine Corps (link here for PDF). These principles aren't just for the military – they hold powerful insights for any self aware leader looking to excel.
Principle 1: Know Yourself and Seek Self-Improvement
This is the foundation of leadership. It's about understanding your strengths and weaknesses, seeking honest feedback, and constantly working to improve. Think of it like this:
Self-Evaluation: Use the leadership traits as a benchmark. Where do you shine? Where do you need to grow?
Continuous Improvement: Don't just identify weaknesses – actively work on them. At the same time, maximize your strengths.
Learn from Others: Seek feedback from trusted sources. Study the successes and failures of other leaders. They're a treasure trove of wisdom.
Communication is Key: Master the art of writing and speaking. Your ability to communicate effectively is a force multiplier.
Principle 2: Be Technically and Tactically Proficient
You can't lead effectively if you don't know your stuff. This principle is all about mastering your craft:
Competence: Demonstrate your ability to get the job done. Be the expert in your field.
Never Stop Learning: Attend service schools, pursue independent study, take courses. Knowledge is power.
Find Mentors: Seek out leaders you admire. Observe how they operate. Learn from their experience.
Broaden Your Horizons: Don't limit yourself to your own area of expertise. Associate with people from other fields.
Principle 3: Know Your Marines and Look Out for Their Welfare
This principle is about caring for your team. It's about putting their needs above your own:
Servant Leadership: Always put your people first. Address their concerns, remove obstacles, and create a positive environment.
Be Visible and Approachable: Make sure your team knows you and feels comfortable coming to you with anything.
Support Their Well-being: Help them access the resources they need. Pay attention to their mental state.
Encourage Growth: Invest in your team's individual development. Help them reach their full potential.
Next Time:
In the next episode, we'll cover the remaining leadership principles, including the importance of setting the example, taking initiative, and making sound decisions.
Remember: Leadership is a journey, not a destination. It's about constantly learning, growing, and adapting. These Marine Corps principles offer a powerful framework for self-aware leaders who want to make a real impact.
Call to Action:
I'd love to hear your thoughts on these first three principles. Which one resonated with you the most? Share your insights in the comments below or connect with me on Instagram here. Until next time, keep leading with purpose!

Ever felt like you're stuck, like success is just out of reach? Robert Kiyosaki's "Rich Dad Poor Dad" hit me hard with this truth: our mindset is everything. Kiyosaki contrasts his "rich dad" (his mentor) and his "poor dad" (his own father), showing how different views on money and success can make or break us.
I've struggled with this myself. Growing up, most of the people around me had that "poor dad" mindset. They were good people, hard workers, but they saw money as something you just earned at a job, not something you could grow.
I started noticing how their fear of risk and their focus on just getting by was rubbing off on me. It was like a subtle pull, holding me back from even dreaming bigger.
But reading "Rich Dad Poor Dad" was a wake-up call. It made me realize I needed to shake things up if I wanted a different life.
Learning to Think Like a "Rich Dad"
I started seeking out people who were already successful, people who thought like Kiyosaki's "rich dad." I read books on finance, took courses, and most importantly, surrounded myself with mentors who could guide me.
It wasn't easy. Unlearning old habits and beliefs is tough. I had to constantly challenge myself to step outside my comfort zone, to take calculated risks, and to see money as an opportunity, not just a paycheck.
But little by little, my mindset started shifting. I began to see possibilities I hadn't seen before. I started making bolder decisions, investing in myself and my ideas.
The Challenge of Breaking Away
The hardest part, though, was distancing myself from the "poor dad" influences in my life. I didn't want to lose my friends and family, but I knew I couldn't let their limiting beliefs hold me back.
I had to find a balance. I still care about them, but I've also made a conscious effort to spend more time with people who are on the same path as me.
My Journey Continues
I'm not where I want to be yet, but I'm miles ahead of where I would be if I had stayed stuck in that old mindset. I'm building businesses, investing in assets, and creating a life I'm truly excited about.
If you're feeling trapped by a "poor dad" mentality, know this: you can change. It's not easy, but it's absolutely possible. Seek out mentors, educate yourself, challenge your limiting beliefs, and most importantly, take action.
Your future self will thank you.
Jason

To My Fellow Self-Aware Leaders,
Procrastination is often painted as the villain of productivity, a time thief we must tirelessly battle. But what if I told you that procrastination can be a valuable ally, a signal worth heeding?
As self-aware leaders, we know that our habits and behaviors often hold deeper meanings. By turning our attention inward, we can uncover hidden insights within our procrastination patterns.
Understanding Procrastination Through Self-Awareness
Self-awareness is our superpower. It's the ability to recognize our own character, feelings, motives, and desires. When applied to procrastination, it invites us to examine the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors surrounding tasks we tend to put off.
Let's delve deeper. Ask yourself:
Emotional state: Am I feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or afraid of failure?
Physical state: Am I tired, hungry, or uncomfortable?
Environment: Is my workspace conducive to focus? Am I surrounded by distractions?
Task perception: Do I find this task boring, challenging, or unclear?
Personal values: Does this task align with my core values and long-term goals?
By regularly checking in with ourselves, we can paint a clearer picture of our unique procrastination triggers.
Decoding the Procrastination Signal
Once we've cultivated self-awareness, we can start interpreting our procrastination as a signal. It may be telling us something important:
Need for rest: Are we overworked and in need of a break?
Misaligned priorities: Is this task truly aligned with our goals and values?
Lack of clarity: Do we need more information or guidance to proceed?
Fear of failure: Are we using procrastination as a shield against potential disappointment?
Intuition about timing: Is our subconscious telling us that now isn't the right time?
By listening to these signals, we can make more informed decisions about when to push forward and when to step back.
When Procrastination Might Be Beneficial
While chronic procrastination is detrimental, there are times when delaying can be advantageous:
Incubation for creativity: Allowing our subconscious to work on a problem can lead to innovative solutions.
Gathering more information: Waiting can provide time to collect valuable data.
Emotional regulation: Taking time to process emotions can lead to more rational responses.
Energy management: Procrastinating on less critical tasks can help preserve energy.
Avoiding premature action: Delaying can prevent hasty decisions we might later regret.
Harnessing Self-Awareness to Manage Procrastination
So, how can we harness our self-awareness to manage procrastination effectively?
Keep a procrastination journal: Document your procrastination patterns and the insights you gain.
Practice mindfulness: Enhance your ability to notice thoughts and emotions in the moment.
Set reflection time: Schedule regular check-ins with yourself to review your tasks and goals.
Experiment with action: Try both pushing through and delaying tasks, and observe the outcomes.
Seek feedback: Ask trusted colleagues or friends for their perspectives.
Conclusion
Procrastination isn't always the enemy. As self-aware leaders, we can learn to interpret our procrastination as a potentially valuable signal. Let's approach it with curiosity, not judgment. By tuning into our inner signals and respecting what they tell us, we can transform procrastination from a foe into an unexpected ally on our journey toward productivity and well-being.
To your continued self-awareness and growth,
Jason

Hey everyone,
I've always believed in the power of personal growth, especially as a self aware leader. Recently, I've been diving deep again into Stephen R. Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," and it's been a game-changer. I wanted to share some of my takeaways and how I'm applying these habits to my own leadership journey.
Habit 1: Be Proactive
This one's all about taking ownership. I've realized that I have more control over my environment and outcomes than I sometimes give myself credit for. I'm making a conscious effort to be more accountable and proactive in my decision-making.
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind
Having a clear vision is so important. I'm taking the time to really define my long-term goals, both personally and for my team. This helps me make sure my actions are aligned with where I want to be in the future.
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Prioritization is key! I'm learning to focus on what truly matters, rather than just reacting to the loudest demands. This involves some tough choices, but it's incredibly freeing to know I'm working on the right things.
Habit 4: Think Win-Win
Collaboration is at the heart of this habit. I'm striving to create a team environment where everyone feels valued and we all work together towards shared goals. It's about finding solutions that benefit everyone involved.
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Listening is a skill I'm constantly working on. Before jumping to conclusions, I'm trying to truly understand where my team members are coming from. This has already led to better communication and stronger relationships.
Habit 6: Synergize
This is where the magic happens! When we combine our diverse skills and perspectives, we can achieve amazing things. I'm encouraging more brainstorming and creative collaboration within my team, and it's been exciting to see the results.
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Self-care is not selfish, it's essential. I'm making sure to prioritize my own learning, health, and well-being. It's like the old saying goes, you can't pour from an empty cup. I want to be the best version of myself for my team and those I lead.
I'm still on this journey, and it's an ongoing process. But re-incorporating these habits into my leadership style has already made a noticeable difference. I'm more focused, more effective, and I feel a deeper connection with my team. I hope this inspires you to explore the 7 Habits as well!
Your friend,
Jason

Every System is Perfectly Designed... To Change Your Perspective Have you ever found yourself caught in a cycle of frustration, questioning why you and your team keep hitting the same walls despite your best efforts? I've been there too, feeling the weight of repeated failures and the temptation to point fingers at myself or others. But then I came across a profound insight from W. Edwards Deming, a pioneer in quality management, who famously said, "Every system is perfectly designed to get the results it gets." This single statement has the power to transform how we, as self-aware leaders, approach our challenges in both business and life.
The System is the Culprit, Not You Deming's quote is not about resigning to fate but rather a powerful invitation to adopt a systems thinking mindset. Here's a deeper dive into what this means:
The System: This encompasses every aspect of our environment, from processes and procedures to our mindset and the overarching culture. It’s the complex web of interconnected factors that drive outcomes.
Perfectly Designed: This phrase doesn’t imply that the system is flawless in a positive sense. Instead, it means that the system is producing the exact results it’s set up to achieve. If those results are less than desirable, it’s a sign that the system itself needs reworking.
Results: These are the end products, both intended and unintended, of the system’s design.
Embracing the Principle for Self-Aware Leadership Here’s how I’ve come to apply Deming’s principle in my journey as a leader, and how you can too:
Own the Results: It’s easy to blame individuals when things go wrong, but true leadership involves taking ownership of the system's outcomes. If your team is underperforming, consider that it’s likely a systemic issue rather than a few bad performers.
Challenge Assumptions: Take a critical look at your existing processes. Are they truly efficient? Does your company culture genuinely support the values you stand by? Sometimes, the systems we’ve grown accustomed to need a fundamental reevaluation.
Focus on Improvement, Not Blame: Shifting from blame to problem-solving is crucial. When you understand that the system is flawed, you can direct your energy towards identifying and rectifying those flaws rather than assigning blame.
Experiment and Iterate: Don’t shy away from trying new approaches. Experimentation is key to finding better ways to achieve desired outcomes. Test, measure, and adjust continuously—each iteration is a step towards refining the system.
Lead with Empathy: Recognize that people are integral parts of the system. Understand their challenges and actively involve them in the problem-solving process. Empathy fosters a collaborative environment where everyone is committed to improvement.
Applying Deming's Principle in Your Life Deming’s insights aren’t confined to the professional realm. They can significantly impact our personal lives as well:
Fitness: If achieving your fitness goals feels like an uphill battle, scrutinize your system. Is your diet plan realistic? Does your routine accommodate regular exercise?
Relationships: Recurring conflicts might signal deeper, systemic issues in communication or expectations. Evaluating these patterns can help address the root causes.
Happiness: If you’re feeling unfulfilled, consider how your daily habits and choices contribute to this state. Small systemic changes in your routine can lead to a profound improvement in your overall well-being.
A Real-World Example: The Toyota Production System The Toyota Production System (TPS) is a shining example of Deming’s philosophy in practice. TPS focuses on continuous improvement, root cause analysis, and empowering employees to identify and solve problems. This approach has led to Toyota’s outstanding quality and efficiency, demonstrating the power of a well-designed system.
Conclusion: Empowering Change Through Awaren

As a leader, I often grapple with an unsettling feeling – that people are against me. It's a heavy burden to bear, casting shadows on even the brightest days. Perhaps you've felt this too, my fellow leader. It's a lonely path, one that can make us question our purpose and abilities.
The Spiritual Roots of My Struggle
In my heart, I believe this struggle is more than just professional challenges or interpersonal conflicts. It's a spiritual battle, a tug-of-war between my ego and my higher self. My ego, driven by a need for validation and control, whispers in my ear, convincing me that I am constantly under attack. It magnifies negativity, distorting my perception of reality.
I've come to realize that this ego-driven perspective is a defense mechanism, a shield against perceived threats to my identity and self-worth. It's a natural human response, but one that can be incredibly damaging.
Why Does My Ego Act This Way?
Deep down, my ego is trying to protect me. It sees any challenge or criticism as a threat, a potential blow to my self-esteem. This defensive stance creates a sense of separation and isolation, feeding the illusion that I am alone in my struggle.
But I am learning to see through this illusion. I am beginning to understand that my worth as a leader is not defined by external validation or the approval of others. True leadership comes from within, from a place of self-assurance and unwavering faith in my purpose.
The Path to Self-Awareness
My journey toward self-awareness has been a winding road, filled with moments of both triumph and despair. It's an ongoing process, but one that I embrace with open arms.
I've learned to reflect on my feelings, exploring the triggers and patterns that fuel my sense of victimization. I challenge negative thoughts, seeking evidence to support or refute them. I practice mindfulness, grounding myself in the present moment and observing my thoughts and emotions without judgment.
I seek feedback from trusted colleagues and mentors, welcoming their insights and perspectives. I embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, recognizing that true strength is forged in the fires of adversity.
Questions That Guide My Journey
Along this path, I ask myself:
What evidence do I have that people are against me?
Am I interpreting the situation accurately, or am I letting my ego distort my perception?
How can I respond to this situation from a place of strength and compassion rather than defensiveness?
What can I learn from this experience to become a better leader?
Affirmations That Strengthen My Resolve
I repeat these affirmations to myself, like a mantra:
I am in control of my thoughts and emotions.
I choose to see challenges as opportunities for growth.
I am confident in my abilities as a leader.
I release the need for external validation and trust in my inner wisdom.
I am surrounded by supportive and understanding people.
Embracing Vulnerability as a Leader
My journey as a leader is not just about guiding others; it's about guiding myself. It's about embracing vulnerability, acknowledging my struggles, and sharing my story with others who may be facing similar challenges.
I believe that true leadership is born from authenticity and compassion. It's about recognizing our shared humanity and supporting each other on our individual paths.
I invite you, my fellow leader, to join me on this journey of self-discovery. Let us embrace our vulnerabilities, challenge our egos, and lead with open hearts and open minds. Together, we can create a world where leaders are not defined by their struggles, but by their courage to face them.