Keys to Mastering Your Worst Employee: Yourself!

Summary

In this special bonus episode of Executive Hustle, Kirsten explores self-leadership as the most challenging of the three leadership domains (leading self, leading others, and leading things). She explains how mastering self-leadership is essential before effectively leading teams or driving results, especially for C-suite leaders who no longer have someone dedicated to their development. Through personal stories and practical advice, Kirsten demonstrates how shifting from action-oriented leadership (doing more) to identity-oriented leadership (being more) can multiply impact and prevent burnout. 

She outlines four core competencies of self-leadership and explains how improving in these areas leads to more engaged teams, better decision-making, and organizational alignment.

• Self-leadership precedes effective leadership of others: As Leonardo da Vinci said, "One can have no smaller or greater mastery than the mastery of oneself." Leaders must master self-leadership before they can effectively lead teams or drive organizational results.
• Shift from "doing more" to "being more": Action-oriented leadership (constantly adding to your to-do list) is a finite strategy that leads to burnout. Identity-oriented leadership focuses on multiplying your impact through your presence and how you show up.

Competencies to Self-Leadership

1. Self-awareness requires external feedback: We can only truly see ourselves through the reflection of others. Actively seek feedback, track your progress, and work on one blind spot per quarter to demonstrate growth to your team.
2. Prioritize importance over urgency: Effective leaders spend time on what's important rather than just what's urgent. Lock "think time" on your calendar for strategic activities and challenge the assumption that everything on your list is yours to do.
3. Accountability is all-or-nothing: True leadership accountability isn't selective—you're either 100% accountable or not accountable at all. Own your impact in every situation and create psychological safety by sharing your own struggles and growth experiences.
4. Be Curious, not the expert: Leading at the highest levels often means you are no longer the expert. Ask more questions and speak last to invite your teams to provide you with the key information you need to make good decisions.

During this episode Kirsten referenced the Eisenhower Matrix. More information on this method can be found here: https://www.eisenhower.me/eisenhower-matrix/ 

Refer to bonus episode aired on February 5th, 2025 for the introduction to the 3 leadership Domains. 

https://www.buzzsprout.com/2340659/episodes/16565795-master-these-three-things-for-leadership-success 

KIRSTEN YURICH BIO:

Kirsten is a licensed behavior analyst, speaker, author, and retired CEO who partners with business leaders to help them achieve more of what matters most to them. Kirsten’s clients are high performing CEOs, founders, and executives looking to “level up” in life and business.

Kirsten share’s her expertise in leadership, performance management, and learning with executives through coaching or consulting, peer groups, and speaking.

For more info, check out Kirsten Yurich HERE.