Did you get here on your own?
Not trying to brag too much, but I consider myself to be a pretty smart and competent individual. I can drive a car, wire up a house, and operate a forklift. Having said that, I am reminded of the many times in my life when I have encountered something new and unknown. Something that in retrospect is almost laughably trivial but, in the moment, seems daunting and honestly scary. I remember the first time I ever had edamame. I was with a client, and a dish was presented to our table that I thought it was a bowl of pea pods. I dove right in and popped an entire pod in my mouth. I immediately realized that these were in fact not pea pods and that I was going to have to refund the half-masticated pod from my mouth. I was pretty embarrassed as I watched the guy across from me remove the edamame from the pod before eating it.
You’ve all been there before. Something that everyone seems to be good at but you. You envy those people who have a key part of life figured out that you know nothing about. If you ever have tried to do some drywall finishing or maybe make that dessert like that lady did on Pinterest, you know exactly what I’m talking about. What started out with enthusiasm and optimism ended in tears, frustration and a few words that made the paint on the walls turn a little red. That’s not to mention the mess you have to clean up too.
Today let me remind you that you aren’t meant to figure out leadership on your own. If you want your leadership journey to be successful, you must concede that you are not the leader you want to be, and that you need someone to come alongside you and show you the way. Instead, leave behind the false idea of an independent, self-made leader and embrace the leadership that is learned in community. Otherwise, you’re headed for a big mess that you might not be able to clean up.
Take five minutes and consider:
Am I trying to figure out leadership on my own? Have I been afraid or too embarrassed to reach out and acknowledge my need for help?
There is strength to be found in humility. I encourage you today to seek out the help you need most as a leader. Invite others into your life who are willing to illuminate your path rather than fumbling along in darkness. You will soon find that the best way to strengthen your leadership is to weaken your reliance on yourself.
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