Are you a bad influence on yourself?

[Viraj Kansara]

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"I bet there is one person who is "always" right there when you get
in trouble. You! Are you a bad influence on yourself?"
-Detrick DeBurr
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I laughed out loud the first time I read this quotation! But it is
so true.

Leaders become experts at diagnosing and resolving the problems
that occur in their organizations and teams. But how good are you
at noticing and fixing the problems in your personal life or the
challenges in your relationships with others?

Are there patterns you would benefit from changing?

A few years ago there was a woman. But during the
three years she served on that board she experienced pure
havoc in her personal life. She had all the qualities of a great
leader in the structured environment of the Board. And she could
work miracles through other people; her relationship-building
skills were top notch. But she didn't seem to apply those same
skills and talents in her life at home with family and friends.

Every quarter there was a new drama or tragedy in her personal life
that could have been prevented. But she was a great example of
being a bad influence on herself. The organization was lucky that she
was able
to be a positive leader for our Board. But more often, people in
leadership roles demonstrate the same behaviors in their work
and volunteer leadership roles as they do in their personal lives.
That could lead to disaster if their personal habits and actions
lack integrity or discipline.

Great leaders look in the mirror and hold themselves accountable
for the chaos in their lives. Great leaders lead by example.

Think . . . and act . . . like a leader!

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-Viraj Kansara
-leadcap.