Some leaders oversee massive organizations. Others administer large assets or talented groups of people. A few mobilize armies or teams of gifted athletes. Yet there is no greater leadership we can provide than when we carefully, and faithfully administer ourselves.
In many ways it is easier to lead others than it is to manage ourselves. It is obvious to us how others ought to behave. We can be much more objective about the shortcomings of our friends and colleagues. Answers for their problems tend to be more black and white in our eyes.
Yet when it comes to addressing our own problems, we tend to waffle. There are extenuating circumstances, we claim. We have always struggled in that area we protest. It does not affect my work, we argue. I’ll deal with it when I have more time, we explain. While we would never allow such delays or excuses in our subordinates, we can tolerate all manner of sin and unhealthy behaviors in our own lives.
It is true. Those who cannot manage themselves properly, have no business leading others. Leadership of others always begins with management of self. Based on how you are conducting yourself, have you earned the right to be entrusted with the leadership of others?