As a leader, sometimes you have to take the high road. Despite your personal commitments or interests, sometimes you must opt for the role of leading others.
What if there is an event you want to attend and there is a conflict with a leadership role? Is it reasonable to forgo involvements of a personal nature to be available to those looking for your guidance? In most cases, I would say no.
As a leader, you have a commitment to be there for those you serve. You have a role to be on duty regardless of competing priorities. Certainly there are extenuating circumstances – such as family health matters – that would trump everything else. The good news is that taking on this role is fairly non-invasive or challenging.
For instance, a first step might be to assess the time commitment for both competing obligations. For me, it has meant juggling family events with leadership roles for years. While occasionally one or the other must take a back seat to the other role, I try to find balance with the decisions. Likewise, you can do so with examining the expectations of your leadership role and your other priority.
More importantly, any decision to balance leadership roles should be done with thoughtfulness about how to be a good leader. Taking time to think about those you serve and those commitments you beyond that scope is vital. Once you ponder what is the appropriate course of action, you be on your way to becoming a top-notch balanced leader.
Dawn McCoy
Author of Leadership Building Blocks: An Insider’s Guide to Success
