Often leadership, in any setting, is looked upon to recognize challenges, confront realities however harsh, and strategically move the organzation forward. Even if all internal functions are humming in harmonious rhythm (not typically the case), there are always external realities threatening to disrupt. It's a constant monitoring process.
Knowing this, it's easy to get myopic in our perspectives as leaders. The constant drive to position, strategize, alter, plan, set standards, and improve can lead to an unhealthy view of our own organizations. "Change" or "improvement" always means that there is something that isn't quite cutting it. No matter how we spin it to the positive, there's a negative flip side. Being immersed in this modus operandi on a daily basis is one of the great challenges of leadership and, I would venture to say, leads to burnout faster than anything else.
As Sales Director, I get the frequent opportunity to go out and talk about the value that my organization brings. I get to see the positive reactions from prospective clients. I get the pats on the back from current clients. I get to surface from the depths of the "leadership-drive-to-improvement" and bask in the goodness of right now. Is leadership getting a little wearisome? Come to the surface now and then. Take a minute and remind yourself what's great about your organization - it'll do you good.
