February 5, 2010 by Per Winblad
Part 5
A dull ax requires great strength; be wise and sharpen the blade.
King Solomon
Wise leaders know that they must never get so busy to chop wood so they don’t take time to sharpen the blade of the axe.
Figuratively, “sharpen the blade of the ax” means that we constantly renew, exercise and develop all dimensions of our human nature – the physical, social, mental and spiritual dimensions- regularly and consistently in wise and balanced ways.
The physical dimension contains such things as exercise, eating habits, and how we deal with pressure and stress.
The social/emotional element is how we develop our relations with people in our environment.
The mental dimension includes intellectual vigor: to read books, visualize, and plan.
The spiritual dimension is about our core, our set of values and how we live up to our faith and our belief.
Wise leaders know that no single hour of our day will return as much as the hour they invest in exercising these four human dimensions.
We must never get so busy to chop wood so we don’t take time to sharpen the blade of the axe.
About “The Key Leadership Principles”
This weeks Key Leadership Principle is “Lead using your most precious asset”.
I will write one thought for every day during this week and then give you the opportunity to reflect on some important questions on how to Lead using your most precious asset the following week.
This is the format I will use to inspire your learning, releasing your talent and potential. My hope is that you will come along with your thoughts along the way.
I wish you the best in your life and leadership,
Per Winblad
