Here’s my weekly email to leaders in Reno County from October 1:
Greeting Fellow Leaders of Reno County and Happy October.
I love the resources provided from the Kansas Leadership Center. I just opened my snail mail box on Friday to find a postcard from them entitled “Take Care of Yourself.” I want to include its contents here for those of you who might not get the mailings.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF
A resource for Managing Self created by Kansas Leadership Center alumni
“Leadership is risky. You stand a better chance of succeeding when you’re at your best.” This resource is designed to help you engage in civic leadership more effectively. It is based on experiences shared by KLC alumni in a September 5, 2012 “On the Balcony” conference call, hosted by KLC President & CEO Ed O’Malley.
WHAT DOES TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF MEAN?
· Recognizing when you need to take care of yourself.
· Finding what balances you. Personal projects, quiet time for self, physical activity.
· Having kindness and compassion for yourself and the work you’re doing.
WHY IS TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF NECESSARY FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP?
· When we neglect to take care of ourselves, we can’t bring our best selves to work. If we can’t bring our best selves, we’re less likely able to engage in leadership effectively.
THREE WAYS TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF:
1. Take quiet time for yourself: Prayer, reflection, meditation.
2. Care for your physical needs: get enough sleep and exercise regularly.
3. Ask for what you want or need.
WHY DON’T WE TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES MORE?
· Competing values. We choose to make managing work and family more important than taking care of ourselves.
· It’s risky. We fear job loss, income loss, and the perception that we’re selfish.
· Caring for ourselves is not valued enough culturally.
WARNING SIGNS THAT INDICATE YOU NEED TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF:
· You become restless, irritable and discontent.
· You can no longer meet people where they are.
· You start forgetting things.
· You become physically sick.
· You take things personally that were meant as constructive criticism.
I know I’ve bombarded you with a lot to think about here, but mull it over and consider how you might better take care of yourself and make progress as an effective leader.
Until next time…