Be Great!

A great leader starts with a strong person – emotionally and physically.  Great leaders learn early on what they want most and are pretty self aware of where they are on their path of development.  Now is the time to put a personal balance in place.  If you can’t manage yourself, how can you manage anyone else?  Creating strong boundaries can keep you strong.  Following are some thoughts on strengthening your life.

Thought 1:  Outside work.  Create a rewarding life outside of work.  When you devote yourself to only one endeavor, you’re beholden to its whims.  If it goes away, nothing is left in your life.  Your life outside of work is an important way to strengthen yourself emotionally and give you balance.  A variety of activities and interests in your life helps you recharge during stressful times.  Opportunities to meet others outside your work life expands your reach.

Thought 2:  Needs met.  Get your emotional needs met outside of the work place.  I’ve seen many supervisors and managers damage their careers because of this.  Here are some red flags to watch for:

• My friends are primarily from work.
• Co-workers have hurt my feelings.
• Someone got a promotion that wasn’t a “nice” person.
• I know most of the details of my co-workers family situation.
• I could never “fire” anyone.
• My boss likes others more than he likes me.

If you’re using any of these phrases regularly, it means that your searching at work to get your emotional needs met.  You’re personalizing your work situation.  There’s a difference between being friendly and friendship.  Find your friendships outside of your work place.

Thought 3:  Get physical.  It’s hard to be strong if you don’t feel well.  It’s hard to feel well if you’re out of shape.  It’s impossible to get ahead if you’re not healthy.  You are what you eat and the physical shape you are in.  Healthy people living a healthy lifestyle are more productive, alert and perceived to be smarter than their unhealthy co-workers.  They are perceived to be more responsible because they are managing themselves well and it shows.  Start building your strength with diet and exercise.

Thought 4:  Healthy boundaries.  You know you have healthy boundaries when:

• You take responsibility for failure, but not the blame or shame.
• You don’t get caught up in any adrenaline/deadline rushes.
• You don’t answer the phone when you’re focused.
• You don’t let others “dump on” or be disrespectful to you.
• You can say “no”.
• You don’t volunteer unless your work is caught up.
• You’re honest with your manager regarding your workload.
• You think about and evaluate inquiries before your respond.
• You finish your work and leave on time almost every night.

Do you have any other thoughts on strengthening yourself for the future?  What do you do to make sure you are great?  Any emotional or physical tips that have worked for you?  Leave your comments below.

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