6 Guidelines to Rocking Your Leadership Hats!

If you are like most leaders, you barely noticed the gradual addition of hats. In fact, you eagerly welcomed each and every one – they represented growth! Yet, the true weight of so many responsibilities – now that has your attention.

When was the last time you slowed down long enough to count your hats and assess what you are in charge of? I know, not easy when you are bogged down by so many duties!

The towering stack of hats might seem impressive, but it all adds up to stress and being less effective as a leader. I know – I have been there. At one time, I was managing my family, homeschooling my children, running my business, and overseeing multiple key areas as the Director of Community and Operations at our church. My attention was so divided, that no one got the best of what I had to offer.

The person that suffered the most – me! My many responsibilities kept me too occupied to relax and savor life. Too consumed to check in and notice what I was feeling. Too hectic to notice all that I had to be grateful for. And sadly, I had only myself to blame! I had set up a scenario that was not sustainable!

I am naturally wired to take charge. That’s a good thing. Yet, like anyone else, I also have my limits, and ignoring those limits is detrimental.

Strategically investing your energy into a few key areas has a much greater impact! Less is definitely more!

How do you decide which hats to wear, which key areas to invest in? Here are a few guidelines to follow:

1. Relationships

If there is one hat that I believe we are all supposed to wear, it would be the relationship hat. It is a big hat encompassing our relationship with God, family, friends, and co-workers. You might not view this hat as a leadership role, but it is a significant part of how you choose to lead your own life. Neglecting these connections will negatively impact your life and the other areas you lead.

Time spent with God will transform, encourage, and guide you! Ideally this will be a daily priority.

Time spent with family and friends – it’s just good for your soul!

2. Purpose

What has God called you to do? How does He want to use your life? Be sure that the hats you are wearing are in keeping with your purpose.

3. Strengths

What are your strengths? In order to be most effective and fruitful as a leader, you want to be sure that you are taking on responsibilities that tap into your strengths. No doubt you are capable and able to do many things, but if you are truly going to shine, you need to invest in the things you do best.

4. Season

There may be things that you are perfectly capable of doing, perhaps they even play to a strength, but the timing is not right. What does God want you to focus on in this season of life?

5. Harmony

As a great leader, you successfully lead yourself well.  You make self-care a priority; getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising, taking time to play, connecting with God, family, and friends.  You take time to grow emotionally, spiritually, and have their finances in order. You don’t let your leadership responsibilities disrupt the harmony in your life.

6. Motivation

Some hats just feel impressive and give you the sense that you have arrived or that you have accomplished something big. Those are the most difficult hats to resist.

Be honest with yourself: what is the real motivation behind taking on more responsibility?

I invite you to remove your stack of hats and evaluate them one by one. Allow God to show you which hats can stay and which hats need to go. Are there hats you should be wearing, but you aren’t?

As a coach, I work with leaders who are over extended all the time. They are frustrated and exhausted! The two factors that most often contribute to their frazzled state of affairs: 1) lack of clarity around their purpose and strengths and 2) embracing every opportunity that comes their way at the expense of their relationships and self-care.

Are you a leader who has been compromising – adding to your responsibilities indiscriminately? Is it time for you to work with a coach to help you determine which hats suit you best and what strategies will enable you to wear your leadership hats with style? Imagine being an effective leader who is fulfilled and enjoying peace in your life. It’s possible!

What are the hats you are meant to wear in this season? How will you strategically invest in those key areas?