You can only truly lead others if you work on yourself every day. Leadership begins with a deep desire to grow — so that you can help others grow too. This month, Nathalie Arteel shares seven quotes that have inspired her on her journey to becoming the leading angel she is today.
According to the annual Gallup study measuring employee engagement, only 23% of employees worldwide were engaged in 2023. In Belgium, that number was barely 11%, one of the lowest in Europe. Gallup CEO Jon Clifton is clear about what’s needed to change this: “Change the way you lead people.” Leadership starts with self-leadership. Nathalie Arteel shares her 7 favorite quotes to inspire the leader within you:
“If there is no vision, people perish.”
— Solomon
When I ask people during my talks where they want to be in two years — professionally or personally — most of them can’t answer. Not because they don’t know, but because they’ve never asked themselves the question. And even when a vision exists, it’s often reduced to a goal.
That’s not inspiring. If you don’t know where you’re going, how can you expect your employees to be engaged? What is your vision as a leader? What impact do you want to create? Where do you want to take your team? Where do you want to stand in 2027 — personally and professionally?
“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.”
— Joseph Campbell
March 1st is National Compliment Day again. But is that really what we want — giving compliments just one day a year? It’s a simple and easy initiative, but it doesn’t create lasting change. In Belgium, we give too few compliments. We focus on what’s wrong or what could be improved. Even when things go well, we rarely acknowledge it — out of fear.
Giving feedback is hard. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be terrifying. But feedback — whether positive or negative — is an act of love that helps others grow. Creating a culture of appreciation is the key to tackling absenteeism and engaging employees.
What qualities do you need to develop as a leader to bring your vision to life? Are you willing to step out of your comfort zone and show courage? Do you lead from fear — or from love?
“It is not the critic who counts… The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena.”
— Theodore Roosevelt
There will always be people who criticize you. They sit in the stands of the arena, but only those who stand in the arena have the right to speak. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I dared to speak out, because I wanted to stay true to my core. Of course, not everyone resonated with that. But as a leader, I’ve learned to stay as close to myself as possible — to act in line with my values. Since doing so, I no longer feel drained. It makes me stronger.
Do you let your voice be heard? Do you stand by your convictions? How big is the gap between your outer appearance — what you say and how you present yourself — and your inner world, the true essence of who you are?
“Your biology is a reflection of your mind.”
— Dr. Joe Dispenza
The way you think not only affects your health and energy levels — the reverse is also true. Your physical state has a powerful influence on your thoughts. The challenge is to continuously guide your thinking, set daily intentions, and nurture both your physical and mental well-being. Feed your mind and body in the right way — that’s how you become a positive, energizing leader.
Check your daily energy level: Do you drag yourself to work, or do you jump out of bed with enthusiasm? What morning rituals give you strength and energy? To what extent are you a mindful leader?
“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
— Mahatma Gandhi
Do you lead by example — at home, at work, and in society? When you see someone struggling, even a stranger, do you reach out? In moments of conflict, do you interact as the best version of yourself? No matter how big your organization is — does everyone receive a simple “good morning”? Do you act with the intention to give, or mainly to get? Is your behavior aligned with the message you bring? Do you live according to your values? Are you the person who brings light into your organization?
“Your self-image sets the boundaries for your individual accomplishments.”
— Maxwell Maltz
Maxwell Maltz was a plastic surgeon. After surgery, some patients completely transformed — others didn’t. He discovered that people have two self-images: one in the mirror, and one in their mind. Your achievements in life, he found, flow directly from how you see yourself.
I grew up with a low self-image because of my upbringing and early conditioning. Thanks to people who crossed my path, saw my potential, and believed in me, I became who I am today. They encouraged me and lifted me up. Today, I still invest in myself every day — as a mother, entrepreneur, and leader. That’s how I can also lift others up and help them see their own potential.
What are you doing to work on yourself? To grow as a leader? What do your current results say about how you see yourself?
“What you focus on expands.”
— T. Harv Eker
What you give attention to, grows. So what do you think happens when you focus on negative behavior and everything that goes wrong? And what happens when you recognize and reward positive behavior instead? When you focus only on financial performance, you attract people who are disengaged — who leave as soon as they find a higher paycheck elsewhere. Or worse, they quiet quit and do the bare minimum.
Does your organization have a positive culture, or is it never enough? How engaged are your employees? How many are on long-term sick leave? What do you want to give attention to in 2024 — so that it can grow?
