Stronger Through Adversity: World-Class Leaders Share Pandemic-Tested Lessons on Thriving During the Toughest Challenges

  CHAPTER 2  

Put Your Mask on First

If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.

—JACK KORNFIELD,author and educator

SELFLESS, SELFISH, OR SELF-CARE?

We’ve all heard that part of an airline safety briefing where the flight attendant advises passengers to put on their oxygen mask before assisting others. While that guidance is sound, it can seem both counterintuitive and in opposition to other messages about leadership. Blockbuster movies like Sully celebrate leaders who demonstrate remarkable courage and a commitment to remove others from harm before they seek safety for themselves. Similarly, bestselling author Simon Sinek has titled one of his books Leaders Eat Last. While we might agree that leadership is not about power, ...