In her book “How to Lead When You Don’t Know Where You’re Going: Leading in a Liminal Season” Susan Beaumont points out that:

“Anxious people tend to behave badly.  And when they do, a leader’s energy is often directed at coping with the dysfunctional behavior of a few, rather than focusing on the health of the whole.  An effective leader resists being drawn into the dysfunctional and remains focused on health and hope”.

I used to try my best to please, comfort, and calm the few with dysfunctional behavior.  I usually end up becoming very tired and losing all my energy (and even hope) to serve and lead others.  I myself so often became dysfunctional when I was drawn into the dysfunctional.

Therefore, we should not give all that we have to those with dysfunctional behavior.  We have to remain focused on health & hope.