The Integrated Life of Leaders

It has been a while since my last article!  That's because we have been working on something special, a new book, due out in May 2023!

Together with the team at LeaderImpact, we have written “The Integrated Life of Leaders”.  This book is a fresh look at how we can live integrated lives as leaders and have a positive impact.  In the book we tell the real stories of real leaders having a real impact in their spheres of influence.  We interviewed leaders from Canada, Hong Kong, Kenya, the USA, and Albania to hear how they are seeking to live the integrated life as a leader - I am hoping you are going to enjoy learning along with me as we hear their stories.  

 
 

Why did I write this book?

Ever since a friend gave me a copy of Steven Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Successful People” at age 21 (thanks Mike!) I have sought to grow as a leader, to lead myself well so I can lead others.  There are many books on leadership and self leadership, however, there are not many that seek to integrate the personal, professional and spiritual aspects of life and leadership.  This reflects LeaderImpact’s philosophy that when our lives are truly integrated across the personal, professional and spiritual we can have maximum positive impact as leaders.  

 
 

In this book I especially unpack what we mean by spiritual, based on Jesus' teaching about his Spirit and how being “filled with the Spirit” is a key to living and leading a truly integrated life.   

We were never meant to do life alone.  We need others, and we also need the empowerment that comes from living in sync with God and his spirit. A life focussed solely on personal or professional endeavors, falls short of who we can fully be.

It is the spiritual side of life that gives lift to all the other areas.  

As the book develops we explore topics such as Stress, Change, Money, Risk, Success, Family, Communication and Community in the context of The Integrated Life.  Each of the chapters speak of real challenges leaders face everyday, offering fresh insights from a group of leaders I have come to know and respect for not only their leadership, but also the positive impact they are having.  

Leadership is not about serving ourselves, it's about serving others and making a positive difference in a world that seems increasingly broken down and falling apart. I believe more than ever before that the world needs good leaders -  those who can lead in an integrated and effective way, instead of falling apart themselves when faced with a challenging world.   

I suspect a lot of us leaders have a desire to have an impact on the world, to make a difference, and leave a lasting legacy—but we can feel overwhelmed by the regular challenges of everyday life. Sometimes these challenges seem to prevent us from realizing our full potential.

Is it actually possible to make a positive impact with our lives while also trying to just make life work?

I believe it is.  And I am looking forward to the release of this book and will let you know as soon as it is available!  

In the meantime, here are a few questions to ponder: 

  • Can you recall a time when you realized you couldn't  do it all?   How did you respond?

  • What is your biggest struggle in seeking to live an integrated life?

  • What advice about ‘managing it all’ would you give your younger self? 

Roger Osbaldiston