So much of leadership comes down to being able to manage yourself.<\/p>\n
A\u00a0number years ago I observed a person collapse under the stress of the leadership role he was in. You could tell when he was under stress. He would storm back and forth from the photocopier, muttering things under his breath as he went. He would express his views on the management of the organisation openly in his work area. He would be working late, but make it very clear that it was because the others weren’t carrying their weight.<\/p>\n
It didn’t end well. He resigned, stating that it was all the organisation’s fault and the demands placed on him were unreasonable.<\/p>\n
Why does it go well for some and not others? I reflected on this.<\/p>\n
Leadership does place demands on you as a person. You are taking on extra responsibility. That isn’t easy. But you cannot begin to lead unless you know, and can manage\u00a0yourself.<\/p>\n
The best leaders never let on that they are stressed. They create a sense of calm that pervades the culture of the organisation. This helps people know that everything is, or will be ok, even in a crisis. Leaders who can do this well engender trust in them.<\/p>\n
Great leaders are able to manage three areas of themselves:<\/p>\n
The last area, managing ego, is easier said than done. What does it mean to manage your ego? It means being willing to completely forgo the attention, the affirmation\u00a0and the glory and readily\u00a0offer it to another: true humility. In Jesus’ words, “If you cling to your life, you will lose it; but if you give up your life for me, you will find it” (Matthew 10:39).<\/p>\n
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So much of leadership comes down to being able to manage yourself. A\u00a0number years ago I observed a person collapse under the stress of the leadership role he was in. […]<\/p>\n