Leadership starts with self-care, yet we resist this fundamental truth. Airlines understand this perfectly – their universal safety protocol demands we secure our oxygen mask before helping others. It’s not selfish, it’s strategic.
Research from McKinsey’s “Women in the Workplace 2023” study revealed that 75% of senior leaders experience burnout, primarily because they prioritize organizational needs over personal well-being. This mirrors what United Airlines discovered decades ago – passengers who help others before securing their masks reduce survival chances for everyone by 50%.
Consider the math: A depleted leader operating at 60% capacity can only give 60% to their team. That deficit cascades through the organization, creating a multiplier effect of diminishing returns. Reflect on this: Your deficit is compounded by the number of people you lead.
The most successful leaders view personal development as a strategic imperative. Former Intel CEO Andy Grove spent 20% of his time on self-development, noting, “The output of a manager is the output of their team.” His logic was simple – his personal growth directly impacted thousands of employees.
Growth isn’t optional for leaders. When we stop evolving, we start dissolving. Our teams deserve a leader continually sharpening their edge, not dulling it through neglect.
The next time you feel guilty about prioritizing your development, remember: Leadership effectiveness flows from personal excellence.
