Chapter 2: Curiosity as a Driving Force

John's quest led him to ponder, "What foundational framework has shaped who I am today?"

Curiosity played a pivotal role in his journey. As a science student with a passion for the arts, he completed an Engineering Degree and began his career with an NGO, later transitioning to a Management Consultant role in a top consulting firm. Despite not being the subject matter expert, he navigated his projects with determination. After two years, he pivoted to an HR path, eventually becoming a Project Manager in an advertising department.

His unconventional career path poses a vital question: "What lessons can we derive about self-regulating leadership from this?"

John believes that a key aspect of self-regulating leadership is curiosity. His genuine interest in self-discovery, understanding others, and engaging with the world has guided him throughout his journey.

He often began with the phrases, "I don't know," followed by, "I'm eager to learn more." Embracing the chaos of beginning is essential.

Chapter 3: The Role of Learning

John invested his parents' resources into books, encouraged by their belief in the importance of education. Bookstores became his haven, where negotiations were unnecessary—his parents always agreed to support his learning. Although he amassed a collection of books, he often left them unfinished.

His first completed book, "Taking People With You" by David C. Novak, was a significant milestone during his first year at university. After leading a team of four, he found himself struggling with leadership, and one team member gifted him the book—a gesture laden with meaning.

This experience marked the beginning of his journey toward openness and receptivity to new information. He recognized that curiosity alone was insufficient; it needed to be paired with active learning. True learning starts with the acknowledgment of one's limitations, creating space for new insights.

Chapter 4: Application of Knowledge

"John, stop altering things after reading a book or attending a conference," one of his team members once said.

Despite this, John remained committed to applying what he learned, often leading to chaos as he experimented with new ideas within his organization. While the outcomes were uncertain, the disruptions prompted important conversations.

He believes that merely discussing curiosity and learning is inadequate; they must be translated into action. It is through these actions that new possibilities emerge.

This video, "LEADERSHIP FRAMEWORK," explores key principles in effective leadership, providing a framework for understanding the dynamics of leading without a formal title.

Chapter 5: The Importance of Reflection

Did John cease applying his newfound knowledge after receiving feedback? Absolutely not. Instead, he embraced the insights shared by his team, despite the challenges of ego. This process allowed him to gather diverse perspectives and refine his approach.

He believes that reflection is crucial for self-regulating leadership. The application of knowledge must be relevant and beneficial to those involved. In a constantly evolving environment, the feedback loop becomes essential for adapting to changing demands.

This video, "5 Frameworks for Leaders," delves into various leadership strategies, offering insights into effective leadership practices and frameworks.

Chapter 6: Continuous Improvement

John embarked on his mindfulness journey at 24, starting with visualization meditation. This practice led to significant shifts in his energy and awareness. Over time, he explored various mindfulness techniques, ultimately cultivating a personalized practice that incorporates tools learned from different mentors.

Establishing self-reflection rituals and actively seeking feedback fosters an environment for growth. However, this growth is meaningless without subsequent actions. John champions the mindset of continuous improvement, emphasizing the importance of evolving both personally and within one's environment.

Chapter 7: The Value of Teaching

John openly shares his favorite books, teachers, and courses, believing that sharing knowledge opens doors for others. He emphasizes that it is ultimately up to them whether they choose to step through those doors.

A close friend once cautioned him, "John, guard some of your winning strategies; others might replicate them."

John replied, "Rest assured, I will continue sharing and teaching. I am committed to lifelong learning and self-improvement. The John of tomorrow will always differ from the John of today."

Through teaching, John unveils his own gaps in knowledge and engages in enriching dialogues with others, viewing teaching not from a place of superiority, but as a collaborative journey of discovery.

Chapter 8: The Framework of Leadership

John has identified six core elements that define his leadership framework: curiosity, learning, applying, reflecting, improving, and teaching. Beneath these elements lies a fundamental motivation—his mindset of yielding crops.

For John, yielding signifies stewardship—nurturing the land and understanding that his contributions serve the greater good of the community and future generations.

He strives to cultivate environments that thrive, even in his absence.

As John compiles his thoughts on leading his life, he acknowledges that this is merely the beginning. Is this framework permanent? He remains uncertain. For him, leadership is a continuous journey of self-regulation, not a fixed endpoint.

What resonates with you?

What is your definition of success? What personal insights do you glean from this exploration of clarity?

It’s never too late to embark on your own journey of action!

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P.S. This article reflects the author's personal insights and interpretations of his surroundings. Consider it a perspective meant to inspire conversation rather than establish facts. John Lau does not seek to claim absolute correctness.