Chapter Two

Dare to Know Yourself

Develop Self-Assurance by Identifying Your Weaknesses

Know yourself. Don't accept your dog's admiration as conclusive evidence that you are wonderful.

Ann Landers

Successful executive leaders are self-aware. It's almost impossible to dare, and certainly impossible to lead, without knowing who you are. Clearly defining your vision and values on a regular basis is the first step toward that strong sense of self. But you also need to know where you fit in that vision, and that requires a clear and calm appraisal of your own strengths and weaknesses.

Susan Grant is the executive vice president of CNN News Services, a division of CNN Worldwide, and one of the strongest leaders I have ever met. Under Susan's stewardship, ...

Get Dare: Straight Talk on Confidence, Courage, and Career for Women in Charge now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.