I once worked for someone that when anyone told him that he look tired, he had a standard response – “I didn’t know there was another option.” Well, there are other options. There has to be.
Those we are called to serve need our energy. And more importantly, the task we have been called to is too great for us not to be at our best.
When I’m not at my best, I know it and so does my team. When I see the following things begin to take place in my life, my leadership antenna goes up:
- I can’t remember the last time I personally heard from God. I have become too busy or too distracted for a daily time of silence and being alone with Him. This is not just for me to make requests of God, but also for Him to speak into my life.
- I have low energy. Like my boss previously mentioned above, I too am physically tired.
- My patience with people is very thin. I’m not a grace giver or a solution to anyone’s problems. If anything, I’m probably adding to them.
- I over-react to minor offenses. In other words, I give a “3″ offense a “9″ response.
- Relationship building with the team has been marginalized and put on the back burner.
- My family is neglected. Other people get my best, not them. That one actually hurts to type out.
- I show up at church on Sunday with nothing to give in the area of service. I’m either going through the motions or only there for what I can get.
- There is no time for physical exercise in my life. The word “recreation” literally mean “life’s energy recreated in you.”
- I have not had a NEW strategic thought recently. My creativity has been minimized by unhealthy choices and busyness.
- Things fall through the cracks.
- I simply become a very poor listener to those in my life.
- I am insensitive to the plight of the poor or hurting. My compassion meter is on empty.
Well, that is my Dirty Dozen. Can you relate? When I see these signs appearing in my life and leadership, I must immediately begin making changes. We all have a list. What is your’s?
