Leadership in balance

• Editor’s note: This is the sixth in a series of columns discussing leadership on Kaua‘i — a place where leaders discuss the qualities and expectations of leadership specific to the Garden Island.

Leaders come in all shapes, sizes, ages and from all walks of life. Some are in politics, business, religious orders or social clubs. Many serve in the armed forces and public service. They may be your relatives, friends and neighbors and serve locally, nationally or internationally. Leaders are found in the home, at work and at play.

Leadership goes beyond having a title — prestigious or simple. Good leaders provide structure and guidance and are respected for their skills and qualities. Essentially good leaders model the way. This article features leadership in balance and will focus on how a good leader can maintain a healthy balance in life.

Good leaders generally want to do an excellent job. With high expectations from others and themselves, they can become overwhelmed and stressed out over responsibilities and commitments and fail to meet their goals. It is during these challenging times that leaders need to find balance in everything they do. With only 24 hours in a day, good leaders develop strategies for success.

Using a buffet line to illustrate a success strategy, we start at the beginning of the line with the plate, move through the salads, starches and to the main dishes. Desserts are off to the side or served at the end of the meal. At a buffet one can have as much of anything desired.  

In life, we want to do so many things. Will we choose a little bit of everything or load up only on those favorite things? We have so many choices but what decisions will we make?

These decisions determine how we load up the plate. How do we arrange our choices without them spilling off the plate? We need to strategize how we are going to fit our choices into our schedule. Will we save room for dessert? In life, we should always make time for the sweet things. As the meal is completed, the plate is either clean or with leftovers and we are either satisfied or stuffed. Do we feel good about accomplishments or are we embarrassed for falling short of commitments? Are we burned out?

As in this illustration, good leaders have a success strategy that includes acknowledgment of one’s own limitations, wise decisions for selection and prioritization of activities, and effective time management. Using a strategy like this not only brings success, but a balance in life that yields peace, harmony and wellness.

• Francis Becker is a 2007 graduate of Leadership Kaua‘i and Executive Director of Na Lei Wili, Area Health Education Center. She is pastor of Grace Redemption Ministries and the events chair for the Kaua‘i Health and Wellness Association.