Self-Leadership in Academia: Notes from Dr. Ahmed Mohamed’s Lecture

January 15, 2024

Contributor: Maroof Ahmed | Editor: Supriyono


UIII.AC.ID, DEPOK - At a recent LunchTalk held by the Faculty of Education (FoE) at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII), Dr. Ahmed Mohamed, an Assistant Professor at The Maldives National University, enlightened the audience on self-leadership in academia, offering a deep dive into its pivotal role in personal and academic development, thereby providing valuable guidance for navigating academic challenges.

Dr. Mohamed began his lecture by defining self-leadership, a concept that has gained importance in personal development. He described it as "the practice of intentionally influencing your thinking, feeling, and actions toward your objectives." This definition set the stage for a deeper understanding of self-leadership, emphasizing its comprehensive nature in leading oneself.

Delving into the essence of self-leadership, Dr. Mohamed highlighted its significance in personal development. He stressed that self-leadership goes beyond mere self-management. It is about taking control and responsibility for one's own learning and growth. "Self-leadership is a crucial aspect of personal development," he asserted, providing a foundation for the rest of his lecture.

Throughout his presentation, Dr. Mohamed outlined several key mindsets and pillars of self-leadership, such as owning one's thoughts and actions, cultivating a sense of purpose, developing a growth mindset, and enhancing self-awareness, self-confidence, and self-efficacy. He also emphasized the importance of influence and impact, illustrating how self-leadership extends beyond personal benefit to positively affecting others.

Concluding his lecture, Dr. Mohamed left the audience with a key message: self-leadership is about being proactive and responsive in one's academic journey. He encouraged attendees to see themselves as the 'drivers' of their lives, capable of navigating challenges and opportunities with resilience and determination.

Dr. Ahmed Mohamed's lecture at UIII was a profound exploration of self-leadership, providing valuable insights into how individuals can gear up for their academic and personal journeys. His expertise and guidance are a significant addition to the university's academic discourse, inspiring students and faculty to embrace the principles of self-leadership in their pursuit of academic excellence and personal growth.