Why Leaders Should Put Their Own Masks On First Before Helping Others

After interviewing over 140 CEOs around the world for my new book, The Future Leader, I discovered that one of the most crucial mindsets for leading in the new world of work is that of The Servant. The concept of servant leadership isn't new but it's also not complete. It implies that the role of a leader is simply to serve others which is only partially true.

Leaders must also serve THEMSELVES!

If you've ever been on a flight, during the safety briefing they always say put your own mask on first before you help others. That's because in the event of an emergency where there is low cabin pressure and oxygen you are likely to blackout and at that point you can't help anyone else. So if you put your own mask on first then you can be far more helpful in assisting others (since you will be conscious!).

Leadership is the same. You cannot lead others if you aren't taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. If you are constantly stressed out, burned out, sleep deprived, and angry then how can you possibly lead others?

Those you serve and lead DESERVE to have you at your best so remember to practice self-care. This can of course manifest in many different ways such as exercising, eating healthy, meditating, disconnecting from work and technology after certain hours, taking vacations, having some quiet time, and the like. Do whatever you need to do so that you can show up each day ready to lead and serve those around you.

One of the CEOs I interviewed for my latest book, The Future Leader, is Barbara Humpton, CEO of SIEMENS in the United States, which has around 60,000 employees. One of her greatest leadership hacks is actually all about self care (sleep!).

Check out the video below and you can subscribe to my Youtube channel for tons of other content on leadership, the future of work, and employee experience.

The most important thing is that you take care of yourself so that you can then take care of others.

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If you enjoyed the article and want more content like this here’s what you can do:

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