The balanced leader: working from his or her core

I believe in balanced leaders. What does this mean? To me, this is a person who works, thinks, operates, speaks, acts, undertakes and believes from his or her core center. To me, this means that his or her mental, physical and spiritual state is balanced. As a pendulum. It’s a pendulum that always comes down to its center and does not stays at extreme heights. I am inspired by the Word of God from 3 John 1:2-3 that says "Beloved friend, I pray that you are prospering in every way and that you continually enjoy good health, just as your soul is prospering." In Dutch, this sounds like this "My friend, I pray that it may go well for you in every way, including your health."

It’s a pendulum that always comes down to its center and does not stays at extreme heights.

Mindset

As a person thinks so is he! I always say "When you think you are the boss over your own live, otherwise you become a slave to others". A balanced leader is a thinker, someone who reflects regularly! Reflecting or introspection is important. During this process you engage three valuable elements: thinking, feelings/emotions and memories. With these elements, you examine the IST-situations (the present) to get better results later, the SOLL-situation (future). This is the ultimate goal of reflecting by making your future better. For example, take 10% of your time each day (± 45 minutes) and reserve a reflection/introspection moment in your calendar. What are benefits? Your mental storage, your neural system can organize, clean up and prioritize data which makes better quality leadership decisions. A leader who does not think (enough) can be rather unbalanced and therefore has extreme pendulum swings. Think of mood swings, selfishness, destructive behavior, strange values etc. So, leaders take time to think and take charge of your mind and set this straight in all situations. That’s why its called a mindset 😊

"When you think you are the boss over your own live, otherwise you become a slave to others".

Input is output

I am always highly motivated and inspired by God's Word, the Bible. In my view, the Bible is also a leadership book with many universal principles, wisdom and truths that are eternal and proven. As an example. Read the book of Proverbs. Right now, I am reading, meditating and studying the Bible book of "Joshua." Here is the story about 10 spies (nowadays called navy seals) who went to spy on the promised land and check out what kind of enemies were there. One of these navy seals was Caleb. Before he took the promised land, he was 40 years old. After 45 years, he claimed his land and it actually happened. So Caleb was at 85 years and he literally said "I am 85 now and as strong as I was 40 years ago. I am I ready to take my allotted land". What is telling me this? Caleb was super healthy, strong, had a fighting spirit and ready to take territory. Caleb is my example of how we as modern leaders should think and treat our bodies. For example. What do we eat and drink on a daily basis? What do we put in our mouths? Is it healthy? Input is output If you understand what I’m saying here. A balanced leader keeps his body in shape and immune system healthy through healthy eating and regular exercise.

Holistic

A balanced leader is one who does not operate solely on his or her own abilities, skills, expertise and insights. It is a spiritual leader who oversees the complete picture. In one of my previous articles, I write that a holistic, spiritual leader has access to two dimensions: the visible and non-visible dimension. This 1st dimension we can experience with our senses (hearing, seeing, feeling, tasting and smelling). The 2nd dimension you cannot experience with your natural senses because this is the spiritual unseen dimension and what I call the God-dimension. Everything we ever need in life such as answers, solutions, wisdom, protection and breakthroughs are present in this God-dimension. As a Christian and balanced leader, you are a holistic leader who has access to this 2nd dimension. You are a then a forerunner and breakthrough powerhouse having extra ‘intel and data’. Great for fantastic and powerful leading and decision-making. Of course, the holistic, spiritual leader also uses his or her senses. So very powerful in every context such as business, work, family or society. Those who do not (yet) have access to the 2nd dimension (the-yet-Christian) are 50% leaders because they have to work with the visible and senses. Therefore, I believe that a Christian holistic leader works truly from his or her core.

As a Christian and balanced leader, you are a holistic leader who has access to this 2nd dimension.

What else do I see as a balanced leader working from his or her core?

• You inspire and motivate others to peak performance

• You create leaders rather than followers

• You are authentic and easily approachable

• You are not intimidated by stronger personalities

• You know where your strength and wisdom come from

• You constantly work on your internal balance and core