You drove so fast you got a killer ticket.
You almost quit.
You did quit.
Wise leaders know that. They realize that rash things they do today impact tomorrow.
They have come to realize that no matter how they feel in the moment, a good night’s sleep, some prayer, discussing the matter with wise friends and even some distance will make for a better decision down the road.
I had to learn this the hard way, but it’s such a good principle: Don’t make tomorrow’s decision on today’s emotions.
2. Refuse to let emotions distort reality
Emotions distort reality.
It’s never as bad as you think when you’re emotional. And it’s likely not as great as you think either.
Emotions make you see negative things more negatively than you should, and positive things even more positively than you should.
Even positive emotions can hurt you when they are detached from reality. If you’re overly positive, you can ignore reality, miss impending dangers and gloss over problems that actually require your attention.
Time is your friend when it comes to making wise decisions. Putting a little distance between your emotions and your decisions is a great strategy.
So is wise counsel. Great leaders trust the judgment of other people as much as they trust their own.
And when they’re emotional, they trust the judgment of others more than they trust their own.
3. Won’t let emotions spawn selfish behavior
Bad days or bad emotions are most often fueled by pain.
A stinging email triggers a deep hurt. A bad staff situation eats away at your joy. A season without momentum erodes your self-confidence.
You end as a leader in pain. And pain is selfish.
In the same way that stubbing your toe makes you forget about whatever else you were doing until the pain is resolved, your emotional pain (no matter its source) makes you more selfish as a leader.
People in pain:
Don’t listen well to others.
Withdraw and sulk.
Blame others.
Eventually turn every conversation to a conversation about themselves and their needs.
Want others to share their misery or sadness.
Seek attention.
And selfish leaders are never effective leaders.
Effective leaders know that.
The best way to get rid of your selfishness is to get rid of your pain.
Pray about it. See a counselor. Drill down on your issues.
