SCRIPTURE: “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood (Acts 20:28 KJV)
QUOTE: “So, it’s not only important for a leader to take care of themselves, but also to let others know that it’s okay and in fact, it is important to do this. It’s really hard for employees to take time for themselves if their boss never does.” – Joyce Russell
NOTE:
Great Leaders Take Heed To Themselves. This means that great Leaders take care and are on guard for themselves. It means they look after and keep watch over themselves. Great Leaders care for people but they also care for themselves. The impact or sustainability of a leader who doesn’t care for himself will be short-lived. While it is important for Leaders to look after those that follow them and to care for them, this must not be done to the detriment of the Leader’s welbeing. Regardless of the challenge or situation at hand, Leaders are often told that It’s not about themselves but about the people they lead or about the team. However, leaders are a part of the team, and just as we’re responsible for our teams, we are also responsible for our own well-being. Just as we want members of our teams to show up “whole,” we need to want the same for ourselves. Leaders count, and sometimes this even means putting ourselves first. Usually most leaders resist the notion of self-care. When Leaders take proper care of themselves, they’re able to lead effectively.
ILLUSTRATION:
“Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the LORD of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.” (Zech. 13:7 KJV). “Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written: “’I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ (Matt. 26”31 NIV)
REFLECTION:
- What do you think about the notion of ‘self-care’ as a Leader?
- Do you properly take care of yourself or you care for your team to the detriment of yourself?
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING: Numbers 15, Psalm 84