3 Things Heroic Leaders Do to Take Care of Themselves First
I recently posted the following on social media.
“In order to help others, you have to take care of yourself first.”
Before every flight, passengers are given a safety briefing. The very last thing we are told is that if oxygen masks are needed, to put your mask on first and then help those around us.
Leadership works exactly the same way. We cannot effectively help those around us unless we take care of ourselves first.
And that got me thinking.
Why are we drawn to certain leaders and run away from others?
Why do we want to be on certain teams and friends with certain people?
I believe it’s because the great ones understand the power of putting their mask on first.
Whether it’s leading at home, at work, or in life, we gravitate toward people who add value to our lives. Those who make us better than we ever could be on our own.
I believe that sometimes we get lost as leaders. The demands and pressures of business and life are enormous, especially during this season of Covid. However, in the midst of chaos, crisis, and change true leadership is not only revealed but needed more than ever.
Your customers, colleagues, family, and friends are hungry for hope and healing. They need solutions to their most pressing problems and unless you have done the work of continually equipping yourself and filling your tank, you will have nothing to offer them.
And that is when people leave.
“People leave managers, not companies.” - Marcus Buckingham
We cannot give what we do not have.
People want to work with someone who will help them grow, reach their goals, and guide them as they discover and develop their talents, gifts, and abilities.
Heroic leaders are consistently and intentionally making sure they don’t become complacent in their own personal and professional development. They understand that when we’re tired and stressed we become weak-minded and make poor choices. We stop growing in the name of putting out fires and getting things done.
We oftentimes lose our way and get lost in a sea of management platitudes about servant leadership which is one of the most misunderstood concepts in leadership today. Servant leadership is not about doing things for your team. It’s about doing the things to grow yourself so that you can build others and empower them to excel in their roles both personally and professionally.
To be your best as a leader requires a certain degree of selfishness in order to be your best when it matters the most. The best way to serve the team at work and at home is to show up with your best stuff and pour it into others.
To create a people-first mindset and culture, you have to put yourself first when it comes to getting better and reaching your potential.
The greatest leaders and mentors I have ever been around do these three things consistently and intentionally to be their best and make sure they have what the team needs.
Personal Development Plan: Every great leader has a personal development plan of action. Not just a stack of books on their credenza waiting to be skimmed through. I mean a real development plan. Exactly what skills, habits, and attitudes they want to work on. A variety of resources from podcasts, to online courses, books, and mastermind groups. They are laser-focused on strengthening themselves in areas they are gifted in. They spend the most time growing their talents and natural-born abilities. They spend little time trying to be good at something outside of their “gift zone.”
Carve Out Time for Self: This is a key ingredient for great leaders. They understand the extraordinary power that comes from time to work on themselves. From physical fitness to mental toughness, they create a margin every day to work on themselves. Some meditate, some work out, some work on their personal development plan, or learn a new hobby. The list goes on and on. The point is, you need time to refresh, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.
Spend Time with Other Leaders: The great ones know they are not self-made. They guard their mental space like a vault filled with valuables because that is exactly what it is. We become like the people we hang around. Real leaders spend time with other leaders who add value to them. Where they can collaborate, ideate, and create new connections with people who have a clear understanding of what each other is dealing with. We cannot get there alone, we all need help growing to the next level.
Leaders, listen up. Remember to put your mask on first. Focus on yourself and make sure you consistently and intentionally keep your mind, body, and spirit in shape. The people at work and at home will be the grateful beneficiaries of your commitment to being the extraordinary and heroic leader you have become.
What to read more from Kevin? His latest book, Unleashing Your Hero, is available for purchase online at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million.
Kevin D. Brown is a branding and culture expert. He’s an award-winning motivational speaker, bestselling author, and the creator of The Hero Effect®. Follow him on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.