Self-love is, according to the song, the greatest love of all. But self-love isn’t an end itself, especially for leaders.
The lyric goes on, “I decided long ago, never to walk in anyone’s shadow.”
Do you really want a leader who always outshines you?
Magic or conceit:
Self-love seems like magic. It makes you attractive and causes you to eat healthier. Self-love lowers stress and increases motivation.
You’ll be happier if you love yourself. You won’t worry what others think.
I frequently hear complaints that higher ups don’t care what we think.
Do you really want leaders who don’t care what others think?
Of course, self-love is a good thing. But not when self-love is an excuse for conceit.
Conceit or healthy self-love:
- Conceit outshines others as a means of putting others down. “I’m better than.”
- Healthy self-love enjoys the talent and achievements of others.
- Conceit performs to be seen.
- Healthy self-love provides confidence for service.
- Conceit needs to be right and blames others when it’s wrong.
- Healthy self-love accepts imperfection and owns mistakes.
- Healthy self-love receives affirmation with gratitude.
- Conceit needs constant affirmation.
- Healthy self-love doesn’t need the spotlight.
- Healthy self-love includes vulnerability.
- Conceit serves itself.
- Healthy self-love knows how to love others.
Purpose of self-love:
The purpose of self-love is to teach leaders how to love others. Anything less is conceit.
How much do you think about your wellbeing and success? Think about the wellbeing and success of others like that.
How much do you worry about your happiness? Worry about the happiness of others like that.
When self-love is reason to center on yourself, you’re conceited.
Self-love isn’t an end in itself and those who think it is are confused, conceited, or both.
When is self-love conceit?
What are some leaderly purposes of self-love?
Bonus material: