What Most Leaders Need Most
Don’t get so busy getting things done that you end up done yourself. Experience shows many leaders between 45 and 55 years old are so connected with business that they become disconnected with themselves.
Don’t get so lost in business that you lose yourself.
Gary Anzolone, CEO of CEO Clubs NYC, sat beside me for lunch yesterday at the Harvard Club. I asked Gary how he became interested in the CEO Club movement.
Gary said he remembered the first time he attended the CEO Club. It gave me a chance for self-reflection, to have conversations about business but not actually do business. As Gary talked, the words refreshed and encouraged came to mind.
Leaders are so busy doing business they seldom take care of themselves beyond distracting entertainments.
Leadership is who you are before it is what you do.
Most leaders most need focused time to care for invisible issues, matters of the heart.
Leader’s hearts are nourished
by authentic relationships with other leaders.
Suggestions:
- Take the first step by opening up, authentically. Don’t spill your guts. Just toss a bit of your heart out.
- Cultivate relationships with those who reciprocate your openness.
- Look for courageous truth speakers who look you in the eye and say it like it is.
- Look for someone who affirms more than fixing or explaining. Fixers offer advice too quickly. Those who explain why you think or feel the way you do, devalue and minimize you. The world is filled with fixers and explainers; stop being one yourself.
- Brag to someone and see if they try to out-do you.
- Celebrate the success of others.
- Look for connections outside your business.
What are you doing to connect with other leaders?
I particularly like what you said about “fixers and explainers.” I never realized that there was a classification for that until now. I appreciate it.. really made me think.
The only reason I know fixers and explainers are around is I can be one. 🙂
Excellent! The finding others who reciprocate my openness resonated with me! Have recently found a couple of folk who do this for me and this has been an invaluable support! Thanks! 😉
Jim, thanks for an affirmation. YOu are fortunate to be developing relationships. Best wishes.
Taking good care of yourself will solidify the potential of helping others find themselves.
Thank you Pastor Cunningham
I am reminded of the advice given during every flight I have ever taken: secure your own air mask before assisting your children. I have always found this to be true professionally as well. We are no good to others if we are suffocating to death ourselves.
Thank you Heidi. Strengthen yourself so you can strengthen others. 🙂
Reblogged this on From Syria to Brazil and commented:
You are a leader? Be yourself.
Thanks for the great points Dan. An important reminder that the areas we think we don’t have time for are often the most critical to our leadership (and personal) health. Leadership and the influence we have on others is too important to let it become something we do without deep awareness and connection.