I decided to write about this because of some things that happened in my life and what I have seen this past year. I had to learn, it wasn’t and it isn’t easy, but what I went through was worth it. I learn more about me, humility, sacrifice, it is not about me, it is not about winning, and trust God’s plan above man’s rules. It was not easy, but it was worth it. The biggest lesson was the difference between having the right to do, and the right thing to do are not always the same thing.
A lesson in leadership for me has been this one thing - having the right to do, is not the same as the right thing to do. As I have moved up in my career path, I have had to learn this hard won over lesson. Too many times people in position of leadership believe they understand leading because they have read the books, have a theoretical understanding, or have a degree or certificate certifying them in leadership. We all have shelled out monies to attend the noted experts on leadership workshops, conferences, seminars, or bought the DVD or CD for their library. Some of us have been mentored by others who, in our sphere, are deemed great leaders; not realizing those leaders was there to teach, to instill, direct but not to stop the learning process within us. Because one can repeat the laws, the theory, and explain it to others, but it does not mean one gets it. Getting it requires letting the lesson taught, teach the leaders where about change occurs in the process for the leaders. Otherwise, we get the idea, if I have the right to do, and it make sense to me, then it is the right thing to do. Yet, in leading, we serve, and the previous statement is not a servant attitude. As Christians, we have the very truth riddle throughout the bible -Having the right to do, does not mean it is the right thing to do. The bible says it this way - 1 Corinthians 10:23 - All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable all things are lawful, but not all things edify (NASB).
Having the right to do does not always mean it is the right thing to do but it can. It requires a selfless perspective in leading, directing, and not letting our emotional discomforts dictate actions. If you are uncomfortable, it means you are being stretched, and if you are being stretched there is a lesson there for you; seek the lesson. We should not run from it, become dismissive of it, or discount its value because I know better. God does not let anything happen the same way in our life; it would behoove us to seek the lesson. As a leader, you cannot produce or receive, what is not in you. However, you will produce what is true about you in those you grow, mentor, or direct in various form. It is true all things rises and falls on the leader who is the foundation, the barometer, the gauge or litmus test strip for what is wrong o right of any organization, group, section because s/he allows it or dictates it.
Let me clear it, the leader is not expected to be the expert. Yet, the leader is the conductor who puts the right players, not who I like or who I can control, in the right position and insures there is competence, chemistry, and confidence because no one has to be your ‘besty’ to respect and trust you. If you are doing what is right, inspite of what you want, what is popular, or easy, they will come around and become your biggest advocate. This I know from experience, and never got it until recently. Living and experience shall teach what no class or person can, if you are an apt student seeking. In 1 Corinthians 6:12, it states - All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything (NASB) – we let too much become master over our lives, except the one true Master who crafted us. Then we wonder why things are not working, I have not gotten promoted. It is found 95%-97% of people who are hired or promoted have to do with how they communicate with people, not skill. However, 80%-90% of communication has to do with body language, not words… Micah 6:8 -He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God? (NASB)…Not easy but worth it…
