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Leading an organization [a team,...] that transforms the world requires more than the latest leadership strategies and techniques. Lasting change in organizations [teams,...] requires men and women committed to leading from deep and transformed inner life. We lead more out of who we are than out of what we do, strategic or otherwise. If we fail to recognize that who we are on the inside informs every aspect of our leadership, we will do damage to ourselves and to those we lead. - Pete Scazzero
I've just started on this road. But I already understand that leading emotionally healthy is one of the most important and revolutionary concepts to influence and change today's leadership culture. For example ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I have a healthy awareness of my emotions (e.g. fear, anger), and weaknesses? Do I know how they impact my actions and reactions, and how to manage them?
- Am I honest with myself and others about the struggles, doubts, and hurts deep beneath the surface of my life? Do I communicate them transparently to the people whom I trust?
- Do I consider prudence as one of my most important character qualities or virtues for effective leaders?
- Do I involve God in my / our planning and decision-making?
- Do I directly and promptly address the 'elephants in the room' (tensions, sarcasm, unkind remarks, silence, perfectionism, etc.) when I am working with others?
Building healthy connections and creating a relationally healthy culture is important in marriage, family and in leadership, in general. It requires work and patience. Emotionally Healthy Leadership results in relationships based on trust, safety and belonging which is what most of us are longing for. "It's not possible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature", says Pete Scazzero who has written several great books about emotional health and spiritual maturity. The quote above is from the book The Emotionally Healthy Leader.
