Leadership isn’t child’s play. It is a serious business. And it’s no wonder that people feel worn out at times.
You’ve probably felt this too. Often, it isn’t a lack of things that causes this condition, but rather an abundance of diverse choices and resources—all demanding your utmost attention at the same time and in every direction!
How do you handle this? How do you keep your head up in such a stormy season? Here are five practical things to consider.
- Know that you are not alone. There are others involved in this endeavor along with you. You have a team. Even if you have no team, you are still not alone. Many others like you have gone through the same stormy waters. Knowing that you are not alone in this storm is such a freeing thought!
- Tell others you need help. This principle may seem so obvious, but many do not practice it. They know that they need help. They yearn for someone to discover their mess and come rushing to help them. But, unfortunately, rarely does someone come to help. Do you know why? Simply because they have not asked for help. Let not pride stop you from asking for the much-needed help.
- Delegate, please. Delegation is not a mistake. It is not an easy way out. It is not escaping your responsibility. It is not about opting for third-class work. It is all about getting the right job into the right hands that are skilled to do it. They can do it well. With more practice, they can do it better. And when you delegate, pressure loses its power over you.
- Create good boundaries. All of us need it in every area of our lives. That includes our careers. When it comes to your daily work, decide when you will work and when you will stop. When the time crosses the red line, stop. You may still have a truckload of work. But stop. You can do that work tomorrow because more trucks will come anyway! Seriously, good boundaries are meant to be kept, not broken.
- Quit, positively. Yes, this is intentionally placed as the last item. When you feel worn out, this is supposed to be the last resort, not the first. It is okay to step down from your leadership position. Why? Because your life is greater and nobler than your career. Your career is meant to support your life and bring meaning, joy, and purpose to your existence on earth—not vice versa. And if your career is draining the life out of you, that is a red signal. That is when the positive quitting option appears on stage, where you may choose to step down from leadership.
So, here is the good news: if you are feeling worn out, there is a way out. Don’t give in to it. Cheer up!
