Rowitz On Leadership

Have you noticed how successful leaders look? They seem positive at all times. They seem vigorous and energetic. They appear excited with the game. They love innovation and see change as a positive force. They love meeting new people and excel at building relationships. Being a leader is often a healthy endeavor. Research supports this in that the traits of leaders are seen as healthy although leadership is often not mentioned as a healthy outlet for these skills. So let us begin to explore how to make your leadership activities healthy.

First, married people tend to be healthier than single people. Leaders who balance work and family tend to be healthier than leaders who sacrifice solid family relationship for work. Research has shown that people who are good at building relationships that they maintain and develop are healthier than those who do not build relationships. Leaders with solid family networks also tend to eat more healthy foods than leaders who live alone. The nutritarian Joel Fuhrman does argue that we do need to improve our eating habits to make our selves healthier. Second, leaders Know the importance of exercise and tend to follow an exercise regimen. They find that exercise improves mood, makes them more positive, and keeps their physical selves in shape. John Gardner often argued for the importance of reflection as a renewal process. Gardner, Sharma, and other writers also discuss how successful leaders often meditate to reduce stress. Third, leaders are team players and stress collaboration as a positive force for change and a way to make life more meaningful. Collaboration tends to improve the mental health of the participants. Third, leaders are often also believers in social justice and share themselves with those in need. Service to others results in good feelings, positivity, and helping others improve their health and quality of life.

Personal leadership development has the unanticipated consequence of improved health.