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I look forward to watching the World Cup Soccer tournament every four years. Last month, I observed a predictable pattern in every World Cup game, whether it's one of the first games or the championship. It's the difference between the players at the beginning and end of the match.
In the opening minutes, their energy was high. Their passes were smoother. When a collision occurred, they tended to bounce up quickly and resume play.
Late in the game, the fatigue was obvious. They made more mistakes in their passes and dribbling. A collision that would have been minor near the start appeared more serious near the end, based on how long the player writhed on the ground in pain.
I see the same pattern with leaders.
When they start a new role, they are fresh and full of energy. They (hopefully) make thoughtful, wise decisions. But leadership is draining, and when leaders are fatigued, they make mistakes, just like the soccer players.
They push a decision through without considering all the factors or consulting with key people. They get sloppy in their communication and someone gets left out of the loop on an important assignment.
The wounds of leadership also hurt more when a leader is fatigued. A negative comment that would have been dismissed in better times plays over and over in the mind of a tired leader. A simple question about a decision sends the leader spiraling into self-doubt.
So what does this mean for you?
One mistake by a soccer player can allow an opponent to score a game-changing goal. My hope is that you'll take this as a caution that it's better to take time off than to press ahead and make a serious mistake.
It's a warning to heed the early signs of fatigue. It's a reminder of the importance of rest and self-care.
One of the interesting rules from the World Cup was that each team was only allowed to make three substitutions during the game. That meant seven players (plus the goalie) play the entire 90 minutes, running for much of that time. No wonder they're exhausted!
As a leader, you may also feel like you can't take a break, that no one can fill in for you. And yet, leaders aren't prohibited from taking rest breaks or making short-term substitutions. So don't be trapped by imagined rules.
Get the rest you need so that you can win in whatever game God has called you to play.
Photo source: istock
 | Mike Bonem is an author, consultant, speaker, church leader, businessperson, husband and father. He has an MBA from Harvard Business School and a breadth of experience in ministry and business, including 11 years as an executive pastor, consulting with Fortune 100 companies, and leading a start-up business. This article was first published on MikeBonem.com. Used with permission. Learn More » |
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