7 Things That Rob Leaders Of Joy

Are the responsibilities of your life more than you can bear?  I think leaders can experience a sense of being overwhelmed on a regular basis if they are not careful.  Leadership should be fun and enjoyable but here are just some of the reasons that leaders may not enjoy their responsibilities.

1. Hard Decisions and Tough Conversations.  Don’t be foolish and deny this.  They are called “hard decisions” and “tough conversations” because they are HARD and TOUGH.
2. Carrying the Weight of Others and Often the Entire Organization. 
3. Trying “To Stay Ahead Of The Curve“.  We do live in a competitive marketplace and no matter how successful you are, others are constantly nipping at your heels.
4. What Have You Done For Me Lately.  If you have made it to a new level of performance, that is now simply your baseline and you now have to exceed that.  There is not time to stop and smell the roses.
5. Accomplishment.  No matter how much we talk about the importance of the journey and the process, we all know that what matters to most people is winning now. 
6. Next.  There is always a “next”.  The next payroll period, the next month-end, the next Sunday, the next season, etc…  Life just keeps coming like waves at a beach.  Time often does not afford us the privilege of enjoying success.
7. Economy.  The current economic conditions have made on-going financial health a harsh reality for everyone.

These reasons and many others can often rob us the joy of leadership.  It shouldn’t be this way. 

Many leaders might enjoy the financial rewards, expense accounts, and memorable vacations.  But it is the day-to-day process where many leaders may forget the joy that comes with advancing mission and positively impacting human life.

There is a price to leadership but the perks are so much more.  To return to the basics and remember some of the privileges of leadership, click here.

Leaders, you are far too important so don’t burn out.  Don’t lose the sense of wonder and awe that comes from your creative energy, skill sets, and giftedness.  We desperately need you.  And just in case you are thinking about it – DON’T QUIT!!! 

How are you doing?

To automatically receive future posts on leadership, simply subscribe or click here.