Leading from your best self — Rob Salafia

In the first Introduction, the author talks about the “rooted in theater”principle as advocated by Albert Bandura. He asserts that theater is a powerful way to build self-efficacy.

Self-confidence is crucial for career success. Rob was a theater artist performing on the streets and learnt a lesson about presence.

It is important to have a presence and poise for executive leadership. Some of the lessons that he highlights are:

• Be a learning machine
• Cultivate patience (easier said than done)
• Practice humility
• Do what you love
• Take all your experience with you
• Forgive yourself
• Simplify
• Let the audience in
• Be vulnerable
• Be the best version of yourself — everyday.

Now Rob is a speaker for MIT’s mid career MBA programs and coaches the students on the importance of poise and presence.

Self confidence is a learnt trait it is not easy to be born with it.

A lot of executive s spend hours perfecting their slides before presenting to a huge audience. Develop a system for learning, develop a platform for failure. Take charge of your own learning.

In chapter 1, the art of being extraordinary, the author emphasizes the presence of courage to become extraordinary. Find a way to draw upon your intrinsic gifts and utilizing them at the right moment. We can all relate to some extraordinary moments when we accomplished something great and found our inner calling. Self -actualization is essential for a human being to be in s astte of congruence. The act of making the ideal self similar to our real self is an effort that is worth taking.

Congruence is when our ideal self and real self are in harmony. We begin to realize how our real self is different from our ideal self. The reflected best self creates a pathway to becoming extraordinary it involves envisioning oneself at one’s best and bringing these into reality.

The keys to finding a way to become extraordinary are 1. finding one’s groove, 2. adopting a mindset of excellence. Setbacks are important lessons for everyone.

The art of landing, chapter 2 talks about tension in everyday living. Landing is the experience of being fully grounded and present in our bodies. To be a leader on should be skilled at landing, being comfortable in your skin. Building a meditation practice as part of your daily ritual goes a long way in making your presence and landing impactful.

In chapters 3,4 and 5 the author talks about expanding into your self and managing conflicts. Emphasize on listening with your eyes, giving your full undivided attention to the person who is talking will make the speaker connect better with the listener (you).

In chapter 6 the author asks you to make a practice into transitioning.

The author emphasizes the importance of connecting in chapters 7,8,9,10,11 and finally into delivering effective presentations to the audience. The art of self discovery, followed by art of influencing are emphasized in the details.

Overall a great book for leaders to connect with themselves first before influencing and connecting with others.