There is a French concept called โNoblesse Oblige.โย It basically means with privilege comes duty.ย In many ways, the opportunity to lead is a privilege. Among the many responsibilities that come with the privilege of leadership is โmood management.โ
In his book, Primal Leadership: Realizing the Power of Emotional Intelligence, Daniel Goleman cites that approximately 50-70% of how employees perceive their organization’s climate is attributable to the actions and behaviors of their leader.ย ย Admittedly, these are facts that we all know to be true. However, my question to you is this,ย โTo what extent have you connected thisย fact to your Self-Care?โ ย ย While you may not be able to control all the โcrazyโ that comes your way during the course of the day, you do have a responsibility to manage the stress it creates.
Although self-care starts with you, it has implications for everyone that experiences you.ย People must be able to trust that they are getting you at your best. When you are at your best you are cultivating and maintaining great relationships, effectively solving problems, and making clear decisions.ย You are communicating expectations clearly,ย listening actively, and willing to see the perspectives of others. When you are at your best you are optimistic about even the most challenging situations.
You have a responsibility to yourself first, then your team, and the organization to do whatโs necessary to โshow upโ at your very best.ย Expand your view ofย social responsibility to include theย cultivation of trust through the practice and role modelingย of self-care.