I have been honored to serve in senior leadership rolls for well over half my life. As such, in my lifetime I have led thousands, and have directly supervised, taught, and mentored hundreds of people.
In my many years of leadership experience I have made countless mistakes and likewise encountered countless mistakes made by those whom I’ve led. I have had innumerable “bad days,” or weeks or even months, and have also noticed the same among those under my leadership. I have experienced burnout and have witnessed burnout.
Bottom line: we are all human! And as humans, sometimes we “run out of batteries.” I love this post I recently found floating around social media, attributed to Rachel Dansby Freeman:
“When a flashlight grows dim or quits working, do you just throw it away? Of course not. You change the batteries. When a person messes up or finds themselves in a dark place, do you cast them aside? Of course not! You help them change their batteries. Some need AA… attention and affection; some need AAA… attention, affection, and acceptance; some need C… compassion; some need D… direction. And if they still don’t seem to shine… simply sit with them quietly and share your light.”
What a beautiful, beautiful analogy! As a leader, or simply as a friend or colleague, when you notice someone’s light is growing dim, don’t just stand by and watch what happens. Don’t just shake your head sadly and cluck your tongue. Don’t silently judge them for their lack of commitment or perseverance. Instead, help them change their batteries!
Offer a helping hand, a word of encouragement, a listening ear, a compassionate gesture, or gentle direction. Help them change their batteries… and give thanks when others do the same for you!
