It is a custom at this time of year to assign new leadership roles within businesses, organizations, and churches for the upcoming year. So, keep in mind that, although taking on a leadership position requires independent judgment, it shares an intricate dependence on recognizing the gifts, talents, and leadership skills of others in order to complete the task at hand. It requires the ability to understand your limitations, surrounding yourself with others who are not afraid to tell you when you have erred in judgment, or when your ego has superseded your talent. And, it is important to have core managers that have been empowered to speak to you in truth, without fear of retaliation.
For those leaders who cannot comprehend this, disaster is always the outcome.
The "ego" issue is especially important if not harnessed in truth. It can spiral into a wicked tornado tearing apart any entity, whether it is a nation, a business community, or a church organization. True leadership has less to do with the leader, and more to do with the task or mission the leader has been given to carry out. We know this is true because, the Bible chronicles all types of people who appear unqualified to lead others in a specific task. i.e., Moses as a keynote speaker, stuttered; David was too young to go into battle; and, Paul had persecuted the very people he was later sent to lead. God can use anyone! —From a small child, in 1 Samuel 2:18; to a donkey, in Numbers 22:28-31, to convincingly reposition your ego and bring you back on track.
If you are a leader who has not surrounded yourself with managers who can tell you the truth, without fear of persecution or retaliation, you are setting yourself up for failure. And, the "truth" will eventually come from others outside the idyllic cocoon you have created, puncturing gaping holes in your leadership abilities. If your "ego" cannot handle truth, and you fear hearing the truth of a given issue somehow damages you personally, then it is possible that you need to ask yourself if you are really ready to take on the responsibility for the task at hand. L.
Study Reference: Proverbs 2:6-11
From: "Ardent Leadership." In The Master's Hands: 365 Daily Devotions For Everyday Living.
Copyright © 2014 by Lavona E. Campbell