Burnout

And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.

Titus 2:7 (NLT)

Do you know the difference between a leader and a boss? Many can’t. Here’s an easy definition: A boss tells you what to do, a leader shows you what to do. In other words, a boss is all talk, a leader is all action. One leads by example, the other leads by authority. Now, don’t get me wrong, as a manager of people myself, I give instructions to those who are under my area of influence. But, I don’t just bark orders at them and then complain when they don’t deliver things according to my (often times unspoken) desires. Bosses are generally why people don’t like showing up to work in the morning. Leaders inspire others to do good.

Now, we need to step back for a minute. Because in our 24/7 world we live in, leadership doesn’t just happen between the hours of eight and five, Monday through Friday in the workplace. A leader is an influencer even when they aren’t at the office. Let me explain.

A leader loves their family by not dividing attention between work and wife and/or kids. A leader shows how to have a life balance. A leader takes care of their health by exercising regularly and eating well. A leader shows that without a strong body, a leader’s health will crumble. A leader makes sure to get the needed amount of sleep each night. Lack of sleep leads to brain fog and irritability. Leaders need a sharp mind and pleasant demeanor. A leader makes quality time for God each day. If a leader isn’t full of God’s wisdom, they’re working in inferior human wisdom. A leader says no to extra work, and instead empowers others to seek solutions to streamline the work environment. A leader must demonstrate self-care.

The Apostle Paul, who was a bit of a workaholic himself, penned this verse, “And you yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind. Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching.” So, if we’re teaching/leading others, do we walk the walk? Do we actually practice self-care so that those in our sphere of influence get our very best? Do we work in God’s wisdom, or in our own flawed intelligence?

Today, and every day, practice the spiritual discipline of self-care. When you do, you won’t just feel better, you will become a better influencer, and a top-notch leader.

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