The Leadership Coaching Blog

Whilst scanning an article on this legendary industrialist and business leader I noted the leadership principles on which he based his success.  These were:

1. Lead by example - never ask people to do something you wouldn’t do yourself
2. Trust and stand up for your people
3. Always admit when you make a mistake
4. Push credit down the line and blame up the line to lift self belief in the organisation
5. Integrity is more important than popularity
6. Be consistent and you will gain popularity
7. Manage change and keep people’s hearts and minds involved
8. Never fail to make a decision
9. Keep changing - change is risk, but the biggest risk is not to change at all

Not a bad list for all leaders to keep in mind!

I’m actually on holiday at the moment, and have been reflecting on how essential it is as a business leader or manager to make the time to have a break; to switch off; to find something to do that will recharge your batteries, increase your energy levels and reignite your passion.

This is important as we often assume that our own energy reserves are limitless, even when we know this isn’t the case for others! 

The biggest issue for many is the continuous drain not just of mental energy, but of emotional and spiritual energy as well.  You know what I mean when your days are filled with tasks that don’t excite you, or even tasks that you positively dislike!  The amount of energy tied up in thinking and worrying about these can actually be greater than the mental or physical energy required to get them done!

Anyway… recognising that this is occurring is a good first step to doing something about it.  So, if your energy levels are low and you can’t remember what passion feels like, then stop……..and do something about it - take a break, take a holiday, go for a walk, do some exercise, eat lunch away from your desk. 

Be a leader and do what it takes to maintain your energy and passion.

Do you find yourself wishing for things and blaming your circumstances when they don’t happen?

Are you good at starting things but not seeing them through?

Are you constantly looking outside yourself for the answers?

If so, then you’re concentrating on only one part of the universal law – the effect (the world outside.)

When you concentrate on the cause (the world within) then things can start to change.

If you go to work on yourself as a business or team leader – on your thoughts, beliefs, attitudes and habits, you will become aware of how you’re affecting the outcome. 

Once you realise this you can change your thoughts and change your habits to create the future you want.

Be the best leader you can be!