Leader Self-Talk

There is an important lesson in Psalm 42:5. The psalmist was talking to himself when he said, “ Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” The same verse is repeated in Psalm 42:11.

I believe self-talk is essential for leaders. In this Psalm, the writer is obviously troubled and he chooses to actively put his hope in God and determines that even though he is hurting, he will praise God. Have you ever been there?

In his book, Courageous Leadership, Bill Hybels says, “Say the word leadership and most leaders’ minds migrate to the people who are under their care. It’s a leader’s first instinct.” But Bill Hybels asks a hard question: “Who is your toughest leadership challenge? His answer: “You.” It is true. Our ability to lead others is in direct proportion to our ability to lead ourselves.

As a leader, the ability to talk yourself through situations, affirm where your hope is, what you believe about God, and praise God in the circumstances will dramatically impact those you influence. What is the conversation you need to have with you today?

By Phyllis H. Hendry

Leader Self-Talk

Lead Like Jesus

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