If you have you ever flown on an airplane, you may not have realized that you heard a very important leadership lesson while you were sitting in your seat waiting to take off. You are probably reading this thinking, “What leadership lesson could I possibly learn sitting in my seat on an airplane?”
Each time you get on an airplane, the flight attendants get up and go through a list of the safety features on the plane. They explain the overhead breathing masks, life jackets, and that your seat cushion can be used as a floatation device.
The key leadership phrase comes in the statement, “Oxygen and the air pressure are always being monitored. In the event of a decompression, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. To start the flow of oxygen, pull the mask towards you. Place it firmly over your nose and mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head, and breathe normally. Although the bag does not inflate, oxygen is flowing to the mask. If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person.”
Prepare Yourself
If you are traveling with small children, you must put on your own breathing mask on first and then help your children. The reason is that if you don’t prepare yourself, you cannot help others. Once you take care of your own needs, you can help everyone around you. You can help your kids, you can help those around you, and you can help anyone else that needs support.
As a leader, this guidance is just as valid. Before you can lead others, you need to be able to take care of yourself. If you do not prepare yourself physically, emotionally, or mentally prepared to be a leader, you cannot lead others. You need to be organized and have your own leadership vision before you can create a vision for those you lead.
Prepare Others
Once you prepare yourself, you can fully work to prepare others and the sky is the limit! You can become a great leader. That comes through preparation, hard work, and dedication.
What do you do to prepare yourself, so you can prepare others? What steps do you take to prepare yourself for greatness? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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