When did you last question your ability to #lead? 🤔

Crazy question, huh? 😲

Let me ask some clarifying questions:
What compelled you to question your #leadership?
Was it a healthy moment of reflection or something more negative?
Did you find value in the questioning?

I recall a time when I was told I was “incapable of leading.”😭
When that statement reached my inbox, I recognized that there were two paths I could take:
1. I could #reflect on it.
2. I could reject it.

Either one could have value. Since I recognized the value of both, I decided to start with the first.

Reflecting on the statement, I took time to both evaluate the words themselves and the context that they were said in. I also took time to ensure that my ego was in check and wasn’t clouding my judgement. And I decided that I would ensure #balance by bringing in someone I trust to help me assess the situation.

With a heart to learn and understand, I reviewed the situation.
I looked at my leadership that had led up to the statement.
I looked at the person who made the statement and what their leadership looked like (the statement was not made by a subordinate).
And I looked at what could be learned.

As I evaluated my own leadership with the benefit of an outside perspective, I was able to rest in the fact that I had led within the parameters of the Servant-Minded Leadership paradigm. I could sleep at night knowing that I had done the best that I knew how to do.

Looking at the individual who made the comment, I discerned that they had some REALLY wonderful qualities that I admired and respected. But that, when I looked at their leadership (style/affect), it was NOT what I wanted mine to mimic.
And I recognized (at least) 3 things that I could learn from the situation:
1. It is SO much easier to TALK about leadership than to actually lead.
2. I must NEVER become complacent and assume that, just because I WANT to be a great leader, I am.
3. Moments like these are WONDERFUL opportunities to ensure we are leading well.

Ultimately, I decided to reject the statement. It was not intrinsically true and if it was, then it was true from the perspective of one who’s leadership I don’t want to emulate. BUT, I am grateful for the #opportunity to think through all of this, and I am thankful the individual who made the remark choose to be authentic about their opinions. It gave me a chance to #reflect, #learn, and #grow. And THAT is worth every bit of the heart-wrenching moment when I read that email!

Leaders, we are OFTEN going to be misunderstood and maybe even maligned. When it happens, it hurts–especially when we are hurt over trying to do the RIGHT thing. But, even in the moments of pain, there is value and growth to be found! I hope today’s post has encouraged and inspired you to press forward, regardless of whether it is liked by others.