Page 61 | Volume 2 | The Leadership Journal of Dallas Baptist University

61 first president and de facto leader of the country even as the United States created a presidential office found a “sanctuary” necessary. CONCLUSION Based upon this survey of six presidents and their need for times of repose and escape, what may the twenty-first century student of leadership as well as current leaders learn from these examples? Several possible conclusions may be drawn. Leadership is often an exhausting responsibility. While most readers of this article will never serve as president of the United States, many will serve as CEOs of businesses large and small, pastors or ministers in local congregations, educational and hospital administrators, directors of non-profit organizations, government officials, coaches, teachers, musical directors, office managers, supervisors of firstresponders, junior and senior officers and non-commissioned officers in the military, as well as many other unlisted leadership positions. Leaders must learn to take care of themselves and not feel guilty about it. If national leaders of the likes of Washington and Lincoln with great emotional intelligence, disciplined minds, and verified abilities to lead necessitated such rest then so will leaders in other positions of leadership. If presidents who served as the understood “leader of the free world” since World War II and men the likes of Roosevelt, Eisenhower, Truman, and Carter required repose and a place of literal or symbolic and mental “sanctuary” when they ostensibly were the most powerful person on the entire globe with virtually limitless ability to ask for anything, then so will leaders with fewer opportunities to have their needs met. This brief study also demonstrates the need that followers have to make sure that their leaders receive the kind of respite that having a sanctuary offers. Leaders need an accountability partner, whether a spouse or other family member, an employee or co-worker, or a friend who will insist that a leader set aside a time, place, or hobby that offers her both short and long periods of relaxation. Leaders should not have to apologize for their need for a sanctuary nor must they abuse the opportunities to escape. Leaders must recognize that escape can become LEADERS, LEADERSHIP, AND “SANCTUARY”: A FOCUS ON SIX U.S. PRESIDENTS AND THE PROBLEM OF REST

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