“All Efforts of Worth and Excellence Are Difficult,” reads the title of my favorite devotional for today.
Such a fitting title to sum up the journey that innovators, pioneers and overall leaders have to trek daily. One of the most challenging things about being a leader is the moments when you have to stand first and stand alone while the community you serve watches. People decide to follow leaders they can trust; who advocate for their self-interests while maintaining character and integrity with a servant’s heart. We follow those who are experienced, exposed, and resourceful and can meet needs with diplomacy, curating trust and security. But those who follow leaders don’t do it blindly. The risk of aligning with the wrong leader can lead to personal detriment, so rolling critiques are to be expected.
Leaders are constantly graded on their motives, self-interests, history, failures and highlights. We expect those with greater responsibility to be equipped to handle and stand up to adversity; judge, but only judge righteously; be well-rounded and relatable, but also remain responsible and safe; have the “answers,” but remain humble. Show the real you, but understand that as a leader everyone is always watching, so cover your cracks; your personal business is not everyone’s business. Have some couth, exemplify some self-respect, take ownership of your decision to be a leader, and learn to dance appropriately with the pros and cons of public life.
MFP is currently seeking contract reporters and editors. Click on the graphic for more information.
And the reality is, leaders sign up for this. But how do they revive? How should they assess? And why is it always so hard? The trials and tribulations that come with leadership territory are hardset simply because leaders are the ones standing in the gap for the people. Leaders position themselves to navigate conflict among their flock: listening actively, being present while building relationships, problem solving, recognizing when pride and ego create internal walls while growing, learning, failing, and then starting over again and again.
While in the trenches of leadership, we have to remember why we stood
Read original article by clicking here.