International Journal of Social Science and Economics Invention (IJSSEI) Volume//01//Issue//02//August 2015 Khalil Al-Jammal 1 , Norma Ghamrawi 2 (www.isij.in) Page 1 Leading the Self: Self-Leadership Skills of Lebanese Private School Principals Khalil Al-Jammal 1 , Norma Ghamrawi 2 1 Faculty of Education, Lebanese University 2 Faculty of Education, Lebanese University Abstract This study attempted to investigate the concept of self-leadership within 80 private schools in Beirut, Lebanon. Through a survey, participant principals were requested to rank the self-leadership skills they believed to exhibit and practice. As such the study highlights the 8 top ranking and the 8 low ranking self-leadership skills displayed by school principals as per their own view point. Moreover, this study sought to identify the obstacles inhibiting respondents from acquiring and practicing self- leadership skills. Data was analyzed using SPSS 18.0. Descriptive statistics were used to describe and summarize the properties of the mass of data collected from the respondents. Percentages were calculated per each item of the survey instrument. Results indicate that while the skills of self- leadership were not being effectively practiced, the concept of self-leadership itself was not clear enough to Lebanese private school principals. This was manifested by the conflicting responses they gave on various items of the survey. The study offers recommendations to help principals enhance their knowledge, attitudes and skills related to self-leadership. Key words: school principals, self-leaders, self-leadership, school improvement Introduction Leading others starts with leading one’s self (Catron, 2013; Hamm, 2013; Horne, 2013; Stark, 2011). Individuals who cannot successfully lead themselves cannot effectively lead others (Adebi, 2008; Buckles, 2011; Catron, 2013; Hamm, 2013; Horne, 2013; Stark, 2011; Sydänmaanlakka, 2004). Conversely, those who can affect others are in the best position to impact themselves positively: “The same leadership skills, strategies and principles that allow effective leaders to elicit great results from followers can assist an individual to identify and implement steps to maximize his or her potential. The purposeful, organized application of leadership principles to self-development is called self-leadership. People who approach their development in this manner position themselves for resounding personal and professional success. They are better prepared to lead their lives, teams, and organizations.” (Adebi, 2008, p.1). According to Bryant (2012b) “self-leadership is the modern version of Socrates command to know thyself” (p.3).It is a concept that has to do with the ability to influence one’s personal dialogue, emotions and behaviors as he/she poses questions such as: who you are? What can you do? Where are you going from here? (Bryant, 2012b). In other words, it is “the process by which [one] influences[him/herself] to achieve [personal] objectives” (p.12). According to Bryant (2012a), there are many personal gains for being characterized with self- leadership skills. Some of these gains include: sense of achievement, increased happiness, decreased stress, awareness of strengths and weaknesses, daily-life alignment with values, purpose and passions, increased ability to overcome obstacles (Resilience), and improved relationships. Moreover, the literature enlists the following organizational gains by virtue of self-leadership. These include: more engaged, empowered and collaborative workforce; improved goal setting and results; faster and better decision making; more creativity and innovation; improved performance and talent