Hello everyone! Yes, I have been bad and completely neglected my blog lately. I feel there is nothing too exciting that is worth posting plus I’m sure you are tired of hearing about the usual busy life I lead. Not exaggerating, recently there were 6 days straight that I did not get home before 10pm. It’s exhausting!
I have had a number of recent experiences that have made me reflect a lot on why people do the things they do? Human behavior intrigues me. When people’s actions don’t fall within the patterns of normal behavior it bugs me since I don’t understand them. I simply cannot “read” them, so I don’t know how to relate.
This is especially frustrating when in a leadership role and not knowing how to effectively lead others. How do you motivate and encourage? What causes people to go above and beyond the call of duty? How are people okay with shirking their responsibilities? How do you communicate disappointment without being hurtful? How do you succeed at implementing the vision you have? So many questions!!! As many leadership trainings, classes, and opportunities I’ve been given I still feel lost and don’t have a lot of answers.
I have had several leadership positions throughout my life and yet I do not feel I am a great leader. Have I had these experiences because I need all the practice I can get so eventually I will be okay at it? Or, am I an effective leader and my lack of confidence prevents me from recognizing that in myself?
Either way I do know this, I am not a natural leader. I only assume that role when asked to do so. In essence, I require the confidence of others since I lack that confidence in myself.
It was stated in General Conference today that you lead with love. What does that look like? Does that mean you have to be understanding and accepting even if something is completely not acceptable and someone drops the ball? The Savior, the ultimate example, gives us another clue into what good leadership looks like when he stated, “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Matt 20:27). So, if the keys to leadership are love and service how does a leader serve those they are over short of simply doing their work for them?
So, look into your crystal ball and if you figure people out let me know! No really, if you have any thoughts I would love to hear them. Leadership is a topic that has always fascinated me.
3 comments:
Interesting post. I've always thought of you as a natural leader, but then, I already know you and respect you so much. I think perhaps some people choose to be more focused on their insecurities when they're around you, and compare themselves negatively, just because you are really, really admirable, and bursting with really exceptional gifts and traits. So that will make your attempts at leadership more difficult, but there's no way around it, and you can just love them, be humble about what you do lack, stand firm for what's right, and trust that everything will come together. And it will :)
A lot of what you said is just like what Brent says. He can't understand someone not doing everything they're suppose to do either.
How to lead is another question entirely! I do think we need to love, but we also can't do everything for that person. It is their responsibility after all. But remember too that Christ did tell people when they were doing wrong.
Good luck! :)
The thought that comes to my mind when reading this is the quote
"if you give a man a fish you feed him for a day, if you teach a man to fish you feed him for a lifetime"
That means we teach and we serve, but then they have to take ownership for their actions. Some drop the ball while others do go above and beyond. I think it is the conviction that people have too that drives them to one side or the other. Yes, there are several other factors as well.
Some are born leaders because they are willing and they motivate. You are a leader because you are willing to do whatever is asked of you. That is a great quality.
p.s. you are awesome!!
The end
;)
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