Why Putting Yourself First Helps Your Organization
Many leaders come to us when they’re overwhelmed—struggling to implement strategic goals, feeling like they’re drinking from a water hose in a new executive role, navigating tremendous change, or dealing with disruptive dynamics in their staff or board.
We’ve heard statements like:
“We are expected to grow, but we haven’t figured out how to optimize our current operations.”
“We’re doing too much, but don’t know where to scale back.”
“I feel stuck everywhere, losing the big picture to the urgency of day-to-day demands.”
“My board’s micromanagement is slowing our progress.”
In the midst of challenges, we can become so consumed with putting out fires that we put ourselves last. But here’s the thing we know in our hearts, but find hard to actualize: If we don’t take care of ourselves first, those fires can turn into an inferno. Our leadership suffers, and so does our organization.
Settled, watercolor by Ian Mutton
Leader, Lead Thyself
We don’t expect a tree to grow strong without deep roots. The same goes for leadership. To rise into our moments, we need to be grounded in our well-being. It’s not about squeezing in a spa day or waiting for a vacation to reset. True self-care is about creating sustainable habits that support our resilience—so we have the energy, clarity, and patience to lead effectively.
When we neglect ourselves, the cracks start to show:
Strategic goals stall because decision-making feels strained in our constant state of exhaustion.
Board and staff conflicts escalate because there’s no bandwidth to mediate effectively.
The pressure of leadership feels heavier because we have little time or space to think deeply.
But when we put ourselves first—not in a selfish way, but in a foundational way—we become stronger, clearer, and more present leaders. We model healthy boundaries and create an environment where our teams can thrive alongside us.
Get the Support You Deserve
This is a tough thing to do on your own—and you shouldn’t have to. Seeking support is another form of self-care. That’s why we’re introducing the Purpose-Driven Peer Advisory.
If you’d like the opportunity to grow, learn, and fuel your leadership with colleagues who understand the weight of the role, this eight-month program is for you.
The group launches in March. And if your budget is the only thing holding you back, we are now offering scholarship support if you apply by Sunday, February 16! Simply describe your need in the application. Bottom line: We want to be here for you during these uncertain times.
We hope you’ll join us. Because your leadership matters. And so do you.