In this episode, Trisha and Mac begin their series on leadership responses to build health by exploring two foundational practices for leadership: focusing on self rather than others, and choosing integrity over unity. Together, they unpack how anxiety pushes leaders to become reactive, emotionally fused, and overly focused on managing other people's responses. They discuss the hard work of clarifying guiding principles, staying grounded in moments of tension, and leading from conviction instead of fear. Conversation Overview

"Focus on self, not others" is foundational in emotionally healthy leadership
How leaders lose themselves when other people's reactions become the compass
Why integrity is not the same thing as selfishness
The importance of guiding principles during high-anxiety moments
How Jesus modeled clarity, boundaries, and differentiated leadership
Healthy systems need both individuality and connection
The relationship between integrity, boundaries, and emotional maturity
How anxiety spreads through systems — and how leaders can lower it instead of amplifying it

Resources How Your Church Family Works - Peter Steinke Kathleen Smith Bowen Family Systems Edwin Friedman - A Failure of Nerve