An Aspect of Leadership Off To the Side

April 1, 2009

During this upcoming Spring Break, there is at least one important skill and habit you can reinforce in your children. According to author and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, who has written biographies of four U.S. presidents, it is an ability common to all of our great leaders.

“I would add here that one more success factor is key for great leadership, be it in business or politics, and it’s one that’s usually overlooked. As a leader you need to know how to relax so that you can replenish your energies for the struggles facing you tomorrow.”
--Harvard Business Review, April 2009, “Leadership Lessons from Abraham Lincoln”

Leadership explicitly includes working with the stress that accompanies making difficult decisions on a regular basis. The same is true for growing up in a quickly and ever changing society. Therefore, the ability to relax and rejuvenate on a regular basis, despite the stress that surrounds one, is imperative to both success and happiness.

This relaxation and rejuvenation comes in many forms: shooting baskets, reading science fiction, playing piano, taking an afternoon nap, playing thirty minutes of a video game, enjoying a few mindful deep breaths. Watch your children and they’ll show you how they rejuvenate. Then make it conscious for them; that is, help them recognize the strategies they already employ. Who knows, you may even discover a few to add to your repertoire.

Have a wonderful break—create and soak up those moments of relaxation at every opportunity.

Mike