By Shannon Leppky, M.Ed
President & Founder, Red Chair Coaching & Leadership Academy
October 2, 2025
In the dynamic realm of professional interactions, the depth of our self-awareness shapes the trajectory of our relationships.
As a seasoned executive coach and team facilitator who has navigated the intricacies of the corporate landscape at a senior level, and worked on several project teams, I have witnessed the transformative power of self-leadership and strive to practice it myself. I have learned that it requires courageous curiosity, intentional action, and grace.
In this blog post, we delve into four core aspects of self-leadership, a foundational skill for those in the challenging and critical role of project management.
The Power of Self Awareness in the Moment
You are in a crucial conversation with a member of your project team, stakeholder or sponsor. How tuned in are you to your thoughts and emotions?
The ability to be self-aware in these moments determines the outcome we achieve. As professionals, we often find ourselves juggling multiple responsibilities, focusing on the task at hand, oblivious to the thoughts and emotions we have in the moment.
The more often we engage in self awareness, the more attuned we become to our internal landscape, what we are thinking and how we are feeling. This heightened self-awareness enables us to navigate relationships with a clearer understanding of our motivations and responses, and why we experience the outcomes that we do.
As a project manager, the ability to assess and adapt one’s approach in real-time is invaluable. Greater awareness of what we are thinking and how we are feeling provides us with important data to help us with the delicate balance between assertiveness and adaptability. A critical skill that requires our constant attention.
The Art of Self Monitoring Over Time
How often do you take time to reflect on the actions that you took, the strengths you leveraged, and the impact you had?
Self-monitoring is akin to being the conductor of our own orchestra. It involves a keen awareness of not only what we are doing in the moment but reflecting on our actions and their impact over time. It enables us to gauge the effectiveness of our interactions, identify areas for improvement, and adapt our strategies as needed.
It is a continuous process of learning and refining our approach, ensuring that our actions resonate positively with others, and fit for the context in which we work. It requires courageous curiosity and the ability to be kind to ourselves, as none of us get it right all the time.
The Role of Self Discipline
How conscious are you of the behaviours that you choose to use?
In the fast-paced world of project management, self-discipline emerges as a linchpin of self-leadership. When he introduced self leadership into the organizational literature in the 1980s, Charles Manz emphasized the significance of self-discipline in fostering the self-motivation and self-direction necessary for accomplishing desired outcomes.
Self-discipline is not just about resisting distractions; it is a strategic effort to align actions with intentions. Knowing what we are trying to achieve and taking deliberate actions to achieve it. For a project manager, this means consistently making choices that are in alignment with the project outcomes as they align to the business strategy, ensuring they are contextually appropriate for the organization and its ecosystem, while cultivating the required relationships needed for success.
Nurturing Self Appreciation
When was the last time you reflected on and celebrated your successes?
Amidst the hustle and bustle of project life, taking a moment to recognize and appreciate ‘the wins’ is often neglected. A project manager who values and appreciates their contributions is more likely to foster a culture of collaboration and shared success with others.
Self-appreciation is not about self-indulgence; it’s a practice rooted in acknowledging our achievements, both big and small. When we recognize and appreciate our own efforts, we can reinforce positive behaviours and cultivate a growth mindset for ourselves and in others. This enhances our confidence and well-being particularly when we experience challenges and helps others do the same. It is a vital component of maintaining resilience and motivation in the face of challenges.
The Holistic Approach to Self Leadership
For anyone who desires to influence change and help organizations achieve their goals through the successful execution of projects, mastering the elements of self leadership is as crucial as understanding methodologies, business intricacies, and the dynamics of interpersonal relationships. As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of professional connections and project complexities, let us not underestimate the transformative power of leading ourselves first. And to have the courage to do so.
We are so honored to have Shannon Leppkky presenting for IPM Day 2025. Join her presentation, Unbridled Presence: The Transformative Power of Cultivating Presence and Emotional Awareness for Project Success.
Shannon Leppky is an executive leadership coach and team facilitator with over 20 years of diverse experience in education and business. Her corporate leadership journey culminated in the C-Suite of Crown Corporation in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where she served as the Chief Human Resource Officer and Vice President of Product, and was identified for CEO succession. She led people strategies that enabled the successful adoption of many multi-million-dollar business transformation programs.
She holds a Master of Education in Adult Education from the University of Manitoba, and an Executive Certificate in Management from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University. She is a Certified Professional Coach (CPC) and holds a certification in Equine Facilitated Learning and Coaching (EFLC) through the Academy for Coaching with Horses in Colorado. She is also certified in Core Strengths and EQi 2.0 assessments.
Shannon’s journey from the C Suite to the Ranch has afforded her with the opportunity to use a harmonious blend of corporate strategic leadership and the profound yet often overlooked capacity to lead from the heart. In her unique approach, Shannon extends an invitation to those she partners with to join her in the Red Chair – a space characterized by courageous curiosity and trust. Here, the exploration transcends mere thoughts and delves into the realm of emotions, emphasizing the significance of leading authentically and empathically. A
t Red Chair Ranch, Shannon engages the power of equine wisdom and the transformative energy that permeates the space. Partnering with the herd, she creates an environment that holds the potential for truly profound and lasting change.
For individuals and teams ready for the journey, Shannon facilitates a transformative experience, guiding them towards a deeper understanding of themselves, fostering the conditions for meaningful, positive change. You can learn more about Shannon at redchaircoaching.com.
Listen to the Red Chair Podcast here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bielFjGb0liKlbodf00eb
