12 Warning Signs Of Unhealthy Leadership

A Dangerous Perspective

I once worked for someone who, whenever he was told he looked tired, had a standard response – “I didn’t know there was another option.”  Well, there are other options.  For the sake of your organization and those you lead, there has to be.

Those we are called to serve need us to function at peak efficiency.  And more importantly, the task we have been called to is too important for us not to be at our best.

12 Warning Signs Of Unhealthy Leadership

When I’m not at my best, I know it and so does my teammates.  When I see the following warning signs take place in my life, my leadership antenna goes up:

1. God.  I can’t remember the last time I personally heard from God.  I have become too busy or distracted for a daily time of silence and being alone with Him.  This is not just for me to make requests of God, but also for Him to speak into my life and leadership.
2. Low energy.  Like my boss previously mentioned above, I too am physically tired.
3. No patience.  I have little to none.  I become someone who is not a grace giver or a solution to anyone’s problems.  If anything, I am probably adding to them.
4. Quick temper.  I over-react to minor offenses.  In other words, I give a “3″ offense a “9″ response.
5. Relationship building with my teammates has been put on the back burner.
6. Family.  They become neglected.  Other people get my best, not them.  I have nothing left to give the ones I love most at the end of the day.  That one actually hurts to write.
7. No Margin.  I have no room in my life which I can use to serve others.  For instance, I show up at church on Sunday with nothing to give in the area of service.  I am just going through the motions.
8. No physical exercise.  There is no time for it.  The word “recreation” literally means “life’s energy recreated in you.”
9. Poor Thinking.  I have not had a NEW strategic thought recently.  My creativity has been minimized by unhealthy choices and busyness.
10. Unnecessary mistakes.  Things starting fall through the cracks.
11. Selfishness.  I simply become a very poor listener to those in my life.
12. No Compassion.  I am insensitive to the plight of the poor or hurting.  My compassion meter is on empty.

Well, that is my Dirty Dozen.  Can you relate?  When I see these signs appearing in my life and leadership, I must immediately begin making changes.  We all have a list.  What is yours?

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