Leadership development begins here

Ben Marshall Dec. 27, 2019

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When discussing leadership development and growth, the context is typically the workplace. But this is not where leadership development should begin.

Leadership development reallybegins with personal development. 

The definition I’m using for personal development is who you are outside of the professional context. 

When we consider growth and development, no one accidentally arrives at their target. There is rarely (honestly, never) a person who grows to become the exact person he or she wants to be without intentionally making decisions to get there. You won’t accidentally arrive.

What would it look like to put as much time into planning for a work presentation as for a family vacation? This does not usually come as a normal behavior trend, but it’s a habit that could be cultivated. 

Healthy leadership requires a healthy lifestyle. This includes rest, sleep, focused work and things of that nature. A cluttered lifestyle with no margin will lead to unhealthy work and leadership habits and potentially a personal and home life that is falling apart. 

Typically many years have been devoted to a professional life, from schooling and post-graduate work to internships and other learning programs. Not to mention working the way up the ladder and gaining experience and credibility. It is natural to put a ton of effort and time and energy into this area of life. 

Don’t neglect your personal life.

Professional opportunities will come and go, but leading your family is your legacy

There are many ways you can impact the company or organization you work for. Putting in the hours, putting in the effort, is one way to leave a positive impact. Doing your job with excellence, integrity and consistency is a big deal and something to strive for.

However, I believe family is the higher calling and priority. Leading your family well can lead to a much longer and deeper legacy than leading well in a company. You are called to work hard, to lead well, to bring God glory in your work, but there is something that carries more weight.

How are you managing your family? How do you lead your spouse and your children?

Family is the most immediate and long-lasting impact and influence you will have in this world. Develop as a leader here first and it will carry over into your professional life. Think, plan, strategize and live out servant leadership principles in your personal life. What results from that will positively impact your professional leadership development.

Photo source: istock 

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Ben Marshall is a Pastor at Pathway Church in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. He works with teenagers and young adults. He is passionate about leadership and raising up the next generation of biblical leaders. He is a blogger, guitar player and sports enthusiast. Ben currently resides in Beaver Falls with his wife Connie and their two daughters, Aliya and Sophie Learn More »

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