I believe leaders must dedicate themselves to serving others and caring for those they lead. However, they must also prioritize taking care of themselves before they can effectively care for others. Self-care is not just a good practice for leaders; it is an essential component of effective leadership.
Whether in a formal leadership position or not, we must give ourselves permission to care for our own well-being. This is not selfish; in fact, it enables us to lead selflessly and more effectively.
Years ago, I was preparing for an Army deployment to Iraq, where I was tasked with leading approximately 5,000 men and women in a difficult fight in a violent and chaotic environment. Before deploying, I sought advice from my mentors, and they all stressed the importance of self-care in order to lead effectively. They recommended activities like exercising regularly, ensuring I ate three balanced meals a day, staying hydrated, reading fictional novels unrelated to the war, getting at least seven hours of sleep daily, and taking at least one day off each week to recharge.
This advice was invaluable. Unfortunately, I did not follow it once I arrived in country. I became consumed by the daily challenges and responsibilities of command and pushed myself to exhaustion. After my year-long deployment, I had time to reflect upon my return home, and I realized that by ignoring the guidance of my mentors, I had made a significant mistake. However, I also learned a valuable lesson: a leader must first take care of themselves before they can effectively care for those they lead.
By all accounts, including feedback from the men and women I led and the leaders I worked with, I did a good job. But in hindsight, I believe I could have been a far more effective leader if I had prioritized self-care during the deployment.
I believe that while leaders must place the welfare of their followers above their own, they must also take the time to care for themselves—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—before they can most effectively serve and support those they lead.
Self-care is the intentional practice of engaging in activities that preserve and improve one’s overall well-being. It encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health, helping individuals maintain balance, reduce stress, and enhance resilience. Key components of self-care include:
- Physical self-care: Exercise, eating nutritious food, getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, and addressing medical needs.
- Mental self-care: Engaging in activities that stimulate the mind, such as reading, solving puzzles, or learning something new.
- Emotional self-care: Taking time to relax, pursuing hobbies, practicing mindfulness, journaling, and seeking support when needed.
- Social self-care: Spending time with loved ones, setting boundaries, and nurturing positive relationships.
- Spiritual self-care: Participating in practices that align with one’s beliefs or values, such as prayer, meditation, or spending time in nature.
Self-care is essential for preventing burnout, enhancing resilience, and maintaining a healthy, balanced life.
A useful behavioral strategy to incorporate self-care is the “Go,” “No,” “Slow” framework.
- Go refers to activities and behaviors that should be embraced and incorporated into your life. These include actions that contribute to your physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being, as well as striving to achieve your goals.
- No represents recognizing and avoiding unhealthy, unproductive, or high-risk behaviors. This includes things like excessive drinking, speeding, or engaging in disrespectful or sarcastic interactions.
- Slow involves intentionally performing actions at a slower pace. This could include pausing before speaking, taking time to listen attentively to others, journaling, reading, or simply sitting quietly and reflecting.
By applying this framework, we can foster greater self-awareness, reduce stress, and enhance our overall ability to care for others. When leaders take the time and have the discipline to practice self-care, they will not only lead more effectively but they will set a good example for future generations of leaders.
About John Gronski
Major General John L. Gronski (U.S. Army Retired) is the founder and CEO of Leader Grove LLC, a leadership consulting firm. John is the author of three books, “Iron-Sharpened Leadership”, “Leadership Sharpeners”, and “The Ride of Our Lives” and is an international and Fortune 500 speaker. Learn more about John at https://johngronski.com/
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