‘Enjoy yourself-It is later than you think’ (Watson, 1979) teaches a valuable lesson. We are often tangled in the chaos of everyday life that we forget to live. This story reminds us that life is short and that it is precious. It reminds us to not get so busy that we forget to live. I believe that leadership qualities are portrayed in this reading in different ways. It takes a leader to recognize that there is a problem and to look at the problem from different angles and be able to come up with a solution. In this case, Dr. Loomis recognized that something needed to change. He demonstrated leadership qualities by considering the impact that his decision would have on those around him. He didn’t want to burden anyone or make their time at work more difficult. This demonstrated a leader who is putting other people before himself. He also demonstrated leadership skills by setting a good example for his staff and for the people in his life. I also believe that a leader will listen and take into account the opinions of other people. Dr. Loomis listened to the people in his life and decided to take some time for himself. A good leader is also a good listener.
Dr. Loomis recognized the need to find a balance between life at work and his personal life. Leadership isn’t necessarily self-less. Since recognizing the need for a balance in his own life, he now has the ability to recognize the need for this balance in the lives of others as well.
I am touched by this story as this is something that I struggle with in my own life. Sometimes, I spend so much time trying to please other people that I end up feeling burnt out or over-exhausted. The message in the story is a gentle reminder that life is short and it is important to take time to live our own lives and to dedicate time to ourselves. In Light From Many Lamps, (Watson, 1979), theres is a quote that speaks to me. “Make use of life while you have it. Whether you have lived enough depends upon yourself, not on the number of your years.” (Michel de Montaigne) One of my lifelong friends has just been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. I find myself reflecting on my own life and realizing that life itself can be so short. When you’re young, you think that you have an entire lifetime ahead of you. You never think that you’re going to be faced with an illness that can change your life like hers has been changed. Her experience has made me question whether I am fully living my life right now. Dr. Loomis’ experience has made me recognize that I may be feeling some of this imbalance in my own life and maybe I need to demonstrate leadership qualities by taking time for myself and setting an example for other people as well. Part of leadership is recognizing the need for a work and personal life balance in yourself and in others.
Sadie,
Your post provides a challenge to all of us to consider the value of our present lives and the to make the most of our lives.
As I read your post, I am also struck by your comments about the challenging balance of taking care of others and also taking care of yourself. You write: “I am touched by this story as this is something that I struggle with in my own life. Sometimes, I spend so much time trying to please other people that I end up feeling burnt out or over-exhausted.”
In the book “The Four Tendencies,” writer and thought-leader Rubin (2017) writes about the “obliger tendency” — those of us who tend to take care of our commitments to others but often neglect our commitments to ourselves (for instance to get enough sleep, play, or enjoy down time). I thought you might find this interesting, as the author also suggests strategies for keeping our commitments to ourselves (sometimes by making commitments to others).
— Leadership Prof
Rubin, G. (2017). The four tendencies: The indispensable personality profiles that reveal how to make your life better (and other people’s lives better, too. Penguin Random House: New York.