Why Leaders Cannot Get Bored

Are you bored currently?  I mean really bored – a deep discontentedness with everything in your life. 

Look at your spouse.  Do they still excite you? 

Are you satisfied and grateful for the team you lead? 

Is your life in maintenance mode? 

Are you amazed everyday at the mercies of God?  Do you remember the last time God took your breath away?

I am currently reading the great book by Jim Collins “How The Mighty Fall“.  Collins gives an incredible insight –

“You succumb to the notion that new opportunities will sustain your success better than your primary flywheel, either because you face an impending threat or because you find other opportunities more exciting (or perhaps you’re just bored).”

I was struck by how many leaders make destructive decisions out of sheer boredom, which is really all about pride.

• “I’ve been there and done that.”
• “I deserve better.”
• “This is no longer exciting to me.”
• “I’m not reaching my full potential.”
• “I’ve paid my dues.”
• “I’ve supported you for years.”
• “I’ve put up with this for years.”

A lack of contentment and ungratefulness silently creeps in like a disease, slowly eats away at you, and then destructive decisions are made.

I’ve seen the following in recent years:

• Leaders fire good employees because they’re tired of looking at them.
• Business leaders disenfranchise loyal customers because they neglect core business relationships.
• Husbands and wives leave their spouses for what they feel are better alternatives.
• Couples go deep into debt for things they don’t need and spend years trying to recover.
• People turn to alcohol, drugs, and pornography in an attempt to fill the void in their life.

The root cause of all of this is pride, lust, selfishness, and boredom.  The remedy is generosity.

Leaders, you must guard against boredom.  Stay grateful.  Let your personal growth always flow from a base of contentment.  And be generous to others.  Your leadership depends on it.

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