It seems as if lately I've heard a number of comments about leadership that all seem to be describing the same reality. A pattern is emerging. I've heard or read about the "cost of leadership", the difficulty of leadership, the challenge of leadership, the "trauma" of leadership, the struggles of leadership . . .
It seems that it is adding up to this: Leadership is hard work. Sometimes it is such hard work that I wonder - who in her/his right mind would ever want to be a leader. It seems as if it takes a powerful vision or a deep pathology; a loving heart or a needy ego.
By definintion, leaders are those who have to do what is uncomfortable.
Moses didn't want to be a leader, nor did he want to be a public speaker. God made Moses both of those things. It got more than a little uncomfortable for Moses as he dealt with unruly, disgruntled, "let's go back to Egypt" followers.
Gideon had to fight a vast army with just a few men. I sort of think he had some uncomfortable conversations as he made the decisions to send much of his army away.
Esther had to stand before a king and make a dangerous request. She is way past the uncomfortable stage.
The three Hebrews defined another mad king and endured a fiery furnace. Uncomfortable moments right before they knew for certain that God was sparing their lives.
Daniel held a prayer vigil in a lion's den. Contrary to popular opinion, stress is not a 20th century phenonenon.
On and on it went through the pages of the Bible until Jesus does the most uncomfortable leadership act ever - crucified on a cross.
I don't like being uncomfortable. On my dark days, I am much more interested in the perks and the benefits of leadership. Then reality intrudes (as it always does) and I realize that I have to do the uncomfortable work of leading once again.
It is a new year. God wants to use us to make a difference. It means we will have to do some uncomfortable things in this new year. It is just part of the leadership terrain. "Good hiking."
Brian Rice
Leadership ConneXtions International
