I have been having some relevant and meaningful conversations with leaders and delving into leadership self-care. How are you as a leader taking care of yourself, so that you can take care of others? That effective balance between giving to a team and taking time for yourself is achievable.
I like to coach into this topic with the sentiment that boundaries and margins must be created so that a leader is dedicating time to their self-care on a consistent and attainable timeline.
When a leader is intentional with that care, they are better individuals, spouses, friends, parents, and leaders. They are communicating to those in their sphere of influence that modeling selfcare is a priority. They also see that this can only be achieved by the individual having a working goal centered on healthy behaviors that value personal and professional roles, margins, and boundaries.
To my leadership friends and colleagues, how are you doing in the following areas?
Separation from technology
Established times for reading
Established workout or exercise routine
Meeting with friends
Spiritual growth
Projects and priorities not tied to professional obligations
To attain a balance in your personal and professional life, I believe that a distinction needs to be made by an individual that what you do, is not who you are. We are each born with attributes that define our skills and our intelligence is a factor in the behaviors we exhibit. When we understand that our jobs are merely how we spend our time professionally, and who we are as people expands well beyond any given role, we are more realistic with ourselves and others.
That recognition of an individual in leadership gives way for a more balanced approach to the role. When you take care of yourself, you are better in the role. When you take care of yourself, you can better take care of the team. When you take care of yourself, you are better preparing the organization for growth and opportunity.
The takeaway here is that self-care is not a selfish choice for a leader; it is an obligation for those desiring balance, purpose, and fulfillment in all areas of life.
