While flying home from a business trip last week, I heard the familiar line from the flight attendant, "If you are traveling with small children or someone who requires assistance, place the oxygen mask on yourself first, then on the other person." Since I was looking for an idea for a blog post, I mulled this over, considering how it could be a metaphor for leadership. Here we go...
Before you can lead others, you have to learn to lead yourself. You have to learn to feed yourself before you can nurture others. You have to learn how to grow before you can help others grow.
You are sometimes your own worst enemy. You forget to take care of yourself- physically, emotionally, spiritually, intellectually- and both you and those you are trying to lead suffer. Feed yourself, then you'll be able to encourage others to become the best they can be.
I'd love to work with you on developing your leadership abilities. You can reach me at ewoolfe@intuitionconsult.com.