Most of us get an annual health assessment (if you don’t, this is the year to start!). It’s easier to stay healthy when you get regular checkups and don’t wait until a serious issue arises to take action.
Likewise, it’s good for you to take a healthy-leader assessment annually. Your family, church, and organization need you to be a healthy leader. An unhealthy leader brings the team down, often causing significant hurt and lasting consequences to the health and well being of the whole organization. Even the best leader has potential to become unhealthy. That’s why regular assessments are vital.
Below is a general assessment that can jump start your own leadership review. Forward to your staff or team for their own self assessments. After reviewing yourself, consider sending to a few others (leadership team, spouse, children, close friends) to complete on you. Just you asking others for input is a sign of a healthy leader!
Your family, church, and organization need you to be a healthy leader.”
To complete the assessment, read each question and answer yes or no. “Yes” does not mean perfection but “doing the best you can” or “most of the time.” “No” means you recognize the need for improvement in this area.
Circle the Nos and immediately see your problem areas as a leader. Then make an action plan to tackle your weaknesses.
1. I get enough sleep.
2. I exercise on a regular basis.
3. I eat healthy foods, limit junk, and work to maintain a healthy weight.
4. I spend time in God’s Word and in prayer on a regular basis.
5. I love the church and the family of faith.
6. I am a thankful person.
7. I don’t hold grudges and forgive easily.
8. I don’t make excuses for problems or challenges.
9. I don’t blame others (including the market) for problems or challenges.
10. I am positive about the future.
11. I don’t lead with emotional outbursts of anger or frustration.
12. I honor the past, but I don’t long for the past.
13. I listen to others well (including my spouse and children).
14. I guard time with my spouse and my family.
15. When I am with my family, I am fully with them (mind and body).
16. I have a few close friends and I make time for them.
17. I have a trusted advisor(s) who speak truth to me.
18. I make the time to develop and/or disciple others.
19. I serve in my church and community.
20. I am not in debt or have a concrete plan to get out of debt.
21. I save regularly and consistently.
22. I give consistently through my church.
23. I am a generous person.
24. I forgive myself when I make mistakes.
25. The fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, and self-control) is evident in my life.
Be serious about your leadership health and work on those areas that need to be improved. By involving others in this assessment, you will have a team of people supporting you in the changes you need to make.
Even the best leader has potential to become unhealthy. That’s why regular assessments are vital.”
What other tips would you add to this list?
