Light on Leadership 2+2+2

Our goal for the Light on Leadership newsletter is to provide you with two questions and two thoughts in less than two minutes. We know you are busy leaders, so we hope this content is something you can use and share with others! Enjoy.

Leadership Book Recommendation: Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience – Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Two Questions

Are you so busy “doing” that you forget to lead?

The flow of thought is an experience we all encounter. The question for leaders is: How often do you intentionally put yourself in situations to experience this flow? You're most likely to find yourself in the flow of thought not while sitting at your desk, but while participating in activities such as exercising, journaling, reading, driving, or gardening. The key isn't how we experience this flow, but that we're aware of when we do our best thinking and intentionally carve out time for it. In a recent interview, four authors who are also CEOs were asked how they balance their leadership responsibilities and find time to write. Each responded that dedicating daily time to write has made them more effective leaders. This daily writing habit has provided them with the opportunity to become better thinkers through their writing.

If a leader is too busy "doing" and never takes time for reflective thinking, the organization will never reach its full potential. Each day offers an opportunity to improve as a leader. Without dedicating time to think about our work, we'll simply continue doing what we've always done.

How does happiness impact leadership?

What does happiness mean in the life of a leader? A quick online search reveals many definitions, such as "Happiness is an emotional state characterized by feelings of joy, satisfaction, contentment, and fulfillment." But if you're not experiencing these feelings, what can you do? If you're unhappy, how does this affect those around you daily? And if your team isn't happy, how does this impact your organization's wellness? Leaders often share a common trait: the desire to achieve. Yet sometimes, our strengths can become weaknesses. While it's important to embrace the positives of achievement, it's equally crucial to understand how this drive affects your ability to be happy. Remember, emotions are contagious. Take 30 minutes for yourself each day. Choose how to spend this time—read, write, reflect, exercise, eat, watch your favorite show, or take a nap. Whatever you do, make it just for you! Give yourself permission to be "selfish."

Two Thoughts

Flow and happiness.

The importance of reflection.

One Post from the Light on Leadership App  

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