Put Your Oxygen Mask on First
Phil Gerbyshak
Helping Sales Professionals and Sales Leaders Reclaim Their Confidence and Their Energy!
If you've ever been on an airplane, you've no doubt heard a flight attendant say: "Should an emergency situation occur, you need to put your own oxygen mask on first, before attempting to help those around you." This seemingly simple guideline reflects a profound wisdom not just for in-flight safety, but also for leading teams, mentoring people, and raising children. So, let's dive into this deeper significance of the oxygen mask metaphor.
Understanding the Oxygen Mask Metaphor
At first glance, the oxygen mask instruction might seem counterintuitive, especially for those who prioritize the well-being of others over their own. The idea is simple yet profound: to effectively help others, you must first ensure your own stability. This metaphor extends beyond the airplane cabin and into various aspects of life, particularly leadership and parenting.
Application to Leadership and Mentoring
Leaders and mentors are often likened to captains navigating their ship in turbulent waters. Their primary role is to guide and support their team or mentee, helping them stay afloat and steer towards success. However, the pressures of leadership can sometimes lead to self-neglect. Leaders may put the needs of their team above their own to such an extent that they end up exhausted, stressed, or even burned out.
This is where the oxygen mask metaphor becomes a vital reminder. Leaders need to maintain their mental, emotional, and physical well-being
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Extension to Parenting
Parenting, perhaps the oldest form of leadership, is another realm where the oxygen mask metaphor applies perfectly. Many parents instinctively prioritize their children's needs above their own, sometimes to their own detriment. But children don't just learn from what parents say - they learn from observing their behavior.
When parents consistently neglect their own needs, they may unintentionally teach their children to do the same. Additionally, stress and fatigue can hinder a parent's ability to provide the nurturing environment that children need to thrive.
Applying the oxygen mask principle means parents ensure they are physically healthy, emotionally stable, and mentally well. Only then can they provide the best care and guidance for their children. A self-cared parent can foster a nurturing home where children learn the importance of personal well-being, resilience, and balanced life.
Ways to Put Your Oxygen Mask First
In conclusion, the oxygen mask metaphor is an essential lesson in leadership, mentorship, and parenting. It emphasizes the importance of self-care and self-awareness for the well-being of both individuals and the ones they guide or nurture. After all, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Put on your oxygen mask first and watch how it allows you to breathe life into your leadership, mentoring, and parenting roles.
Executive Branding & Influence Strategist | Helping C-Suite Executives, Business Owners & Seasoned Federal Leaders Leverage LinkedIn for Board Seats, Media Features & High-Impact Career Moves
1 年YES! Phil Gerbyshak, the analogy is always powerful—great lesson and article.
Real Estate Social Media Strategist | Keynote Speaker | Best-Selling Author
1 年Well said Phil - so important!