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Healthy Leadership
Wellness and leadership work together to build strong teams. We begin this blog post with this thought: A healthy mind produces healthy thoughts. Healthy thoughts produce healthy actions for healthy leadership. On the contrary, an unhealthy mind produces unhealthy thoughts followed by unhealthy actions.
Nebuchadnezzar (in Daniel 2) is an example of a leader who was troubled in the mind by dreams. Daniel 4 records how he lost his mind (Daniel 4:32-33) and ate grass like the ox. In action, his attitude toward those he led was one of animosity and antagonism as it suited him. Evil was his companion in the beginning of his leadership. God will use such leadership for the good of His purpose and people.
The Mindset of Leadership
In the scriptures, there are numerous examples of the mindset of leaders. Attitude is to leadership as hand to glove. Changing your attitude (mindset) toward a situation is powerful. Why? Because attitude influences the mindset of others. For a simple example, think about preparing a family meal. How you approach the situation is telling in the preparation and taste. So, it is when facilitating a project. A relaxing attitude decreased anxiety. The mind is at ease. Blood pressure is lower and it is easier to breathe. Your attitude determines the approach and affects others. Therefore, be willing to check the mind; and change your attitude for healthy leading. A simple thought i.e., “Everything I do today will represent the goodness of God in my life.” That is a way to check your attitude.
Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny. – M. Ghandi
Healthy Leaders Reflect Good Understanding
Healthy leaders reflect understanding about the needs of the team. Biblically, the scripture states in Philippians 4:7-8 NIV,” And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. This type of leader has the focus on the big picture; but takes the time to understand the smaller tasks. This leader gathers necessary information to make an informed decision.
Studies of the mind, such as psychology, form concepts taken from scriptures. Long before the term psychology emerged as a study, people engaged in the understanding of the human soul, mind, and body (refer to Psychology and the Bible, Toccoa Falls College for more about this.). Working as teams is what God formed. Human thoughts perceive (go before) your action(s). God thought and then created. The very act and deeds of God produced the world.
Weighing the consequences of your actions is productive thinking. A healthy leader leads with this type of understanding with the intent to produce the best decision(s).
“No matter how “big” the size of your head, you can only hold one thought at a time, ” – My Paternal Grandmother.
Healthy Leaders Voice
Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things (Philippians 4:8). One biblical example that comes to mind, is the voice of Jethro, the father-in-law of Moses (Exodus 2). Jethro, also known as a “friend of God,” explains why Moses saw him as a “healthy” voice in his life. God will place healthy voices in the lives of leaders. Thus, a leader must adhere and be sensitive for sound voices for a sound mind.
Even in dreams, God sends messages that blesses the wellness of his leaders. Examples include Joseph (husband of Mary), Elisha the Prophet, and Apostle John. And God will do the same today. Your voice is important for healthy leadership in Him. Model 2 Timothy, “Avoid worthless, foolish talk that only leads to more godless behavior (2 Timothy 2:16). Again, I say, don’t get involved in foolish, ignorant arguments that only start fights; a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people,” (2 Timothy 2:23-24 NLT).
Restraining the Lips
Not only will the healthy leader listen for soundness and avoid foolish talk, but this type of leader seeks and practice the restraining of the tongue (i.e., the lips). James wrote, “If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless,” (James 1:26). Talking too much is a sign of weakness in leadership. In the science of psychology, a windbag is known as one who is overly self-important; engages in useless talk or empty talk. On the other hand, one who knows how to restrain the lips is a reflection of a wise leader and one of humility. You can be grateful for the Holy Spirit (Psalm 141:3) to rule that untamed organ – the tongue (James 3:2; 7).
Known for Quality
The healthy leader is known for success, even those challenges come. Their success is the result of their qualities. This leader is not perfect but works in excellence. Their mode of conversation is to resolve issues. They speak of problem-solving. More importantly, their conversations are toward possibilities. On the other hand, what irritates them more than most, is the inability of others to see the vision. Consequently, their attitude or mode of operation is to accelerate the tasks, identify the means and move forward.
People who lack this type of enthusiasm, will find it difficult to be a part of the team. It is difficult for them to connect wellness and leadership in building strong teams. Still, the healthy leader’s voice speak to different personalities; but only carry the best resources to finish the tasks, while looking toward the future. Healthy leadership is the product of characteristics i.e., integrity.
We invite you to follow these blogs for more information about wellness and leadership to build strong teams:
For more information about qualities and characteristics, you may wish to read “21 leadership qualities and characteristics of a successful leader” by Elizabeth Perry, ACC.
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