Our state of mind affects others as a leader. As leaders we can learn an incredible lesson from Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, an inspirational leader. Each year, no matter how tough a situation the United Kingdom is in, no matter what difficulties they face and no matter the differences amongst its population, millions tune in to watch the Queen’s speech. Each year, despite adversity the Queen provides providence. Each year, despite disparity, the Queen provides harmony. Each year, despite turbulence, the Queen provides calm. The Queen is able to manage her state of mind to emit this energy of calmness.
Now imagine the Queen one year decided to behave panicked, worried and nervous. That feeling would transmit through the TV screen and straight into the home of millions watching. The same feeling of panic, worry and nervousness would spread across the country. That is how much our own state of mind can affect others as a leader. The more influence a leader has over others the more their state of mind will affect others.
“If you can afford the right to another person to influence your mood, surely you can afford yourself that same right?”
JT
As leaders we need to be aware of how we let our emotions take control of our decisions and communications. Often, we let other people affect how we behave. The person who cut in front of you whilst driving to work. The person who didn’t hold the elevator door for you when you was late for a meeting. The person who didn’t say thank you when you held the door open. Even seemingly small things affect our mood which can affect which affect our behaviour towards others. We must be self-aware that the way others behave can influence our behaviour. However, if we allow them to affect us then we’ve allowed them to influence us.
Leaders are human beings and are affected by external influencers just the same as everyone else. But once we become self-aware of why we are influenced by these issues we can start to control our emotions towards them. As leaders we must be strong and focus on controlling our emotions even in difficult times. We must train ourselves to become mentally resilient to external influencers so that we maintain our calm state of mind.
Remember that the more influence you have over others, the more your state of mind will affect others. Understand more on how to behave like a leader by clicking here!
I discuss more in my new book, Managers are not leaders, which is out now on Amazon! Click here to see it!
How to reference this page
- Toor, J. (2019). Why your state of mind is important as a leader? Available at: https://pmgrowth.co/why-your-state-of-mind-is-important-as-a-leader?