The Power of Self-Leadership:
Why Great Leaders Spend Half Their Time Leading Themselves

This is a busy week for me. Every week is busy, but this one is extra because I’m preparing for vacation, which means double the prep if I truly want to unplug. Even so, I had a very early doctor’s appointment today to establish care with a new physician. My former doctor—whom I trusted and loved—had a baby and chose to be a stay-at-home mom. She recommended someone new, and I met him this morning. With everything going on, why make time for that right now?

In my early thirties, I read an article by Dee Hock that changed me. His basic premise was this: if you want to lead well, spend about half your attention leading yourself—your purpose, ethics, principles, motivations, and conduct. Then lead “up” (those with authority over you), then your peers, and only then focus on those you supervise, freeing them to do the same. That idea rocked my world. The part that especially rearranged my life was the “50% on leading yourself.”

At the time I was a co-pastor with three young children (one was a baby). I was leading in many spheres, but my self-leadership was nearly non-existent. I was spending ten percent on me, on a good week. Learning the phrase self-leadership and what it actually means was a holy disruption. I began to prioritize it. I came to realize that this was the most important thing to focus on in leadership. (Keep in mind that keeping all of the practices of spiritual discipline are part of self-leadership.)

I don’t excel in every area of self-leadership. Some, yes; some, not yet. Diet and exercise are still areas I need huge improvement on. (I’ve lost 20 pounds recently—and I’m grateful—but there’s more to go.) Areas I do have on track are spiritual disciplines, continuing education, rest, and proactive care—annual physical, OB-GYN, dermatology, vision, dental, and more. And let me testify: when you’re intentional, these things really can claim about 50% of your leadership attention. I’m not even where I want to be yet with fitness, and I can still feel like I’m spending half of my time leading myself. It’s a lot to keep up with—but it’s essential. We lead best when we’re giving from overflow, not scraping the bottom of the barrel. Empty leaders make empty promises. Healthy leaders create healthy cultures.

Today, here are three reasons it’s worth taking that time to lead yourself—even when you feel tempted to skimp:

 

Burnout is expensive in every way

 

Breaking down has a huge cost. Trust me, I’ve done it and paid for it. Self-leadership builds steady capacity so you don’t live in crisis mode. Burnout is so expensive—literally in dollars and cents but also in other ways… for you, your family, and your team. A sustainable leader can keep showing up with wisdom, energy, and joy.

 

You make better decisions

 

When your soul, body, and mind are tended, you decide faster and better. You communicate more clearly, set cleaner boundaries, and avoid the rework that comes from fuzzy thinking. Clarity saves time on the back end because you invested time on the front end.

 

Your credibility increases

 

People don’t follow what we say; they follow what we model. When you prioritize your own growth, health, and spiritual life, it gives your team permission—and a pattern—to do the same. That multiplication effect is what culture is made of.

And because I know everyone loves practical tips, here are three tips to make self-leadership doable this week:

 

Time-Block the “50%” first

 

Put your non-negotiables on the calendar before you schedule everyone else’s needs (devotional time, workouts/walks, study/skill blocks, and your preventive appointments). If it isn’t on the calendar, it’s make-believe

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Create a Simple Self-Leadership Dashboard.

 

Track 5–7 rhythms you care about (Word/prayer, sleep, movement, learning, relationships, appointments/maintenance, margin). I typically do this on the notes on my phone. Review it at the end of every week and note what worked, and what needs to change.

 

Build Your Care Team & Automate Maintenance

 

List your key practitioners (primary care, OB-GYN, dentist, dermatologist, therapist/coach, spiritual director). When I’m at my yearly physical, I book the next year’s before I leave. One of the things I’m vigilant about is my teeth. I see the dentist every quarter. (I’m determined to keep my teeth in good shape for life, and never need dentures.) I usually book out my appointments for the next three quarters.I book the next therapy appointment the day of my therapy. An important part of my self care are coffee/lunch/dinner dates with friends. (Note: NOT business meetings!) I schedule these out as well, usually a month out and many times several months out. These gatherings are important to me — body, soul and spirit. It impacts everything in my life to spend time with these people. These are not times when I am drained by pouring into other people, counseling people, solving problems. These are nurturing friendships.

So…

Lead yourself. Lead up. Lead across. Then free the people you lead to do the same. That order isn’t selfish—it’s stewardship.