The call to leadership often requires making difficult decisions no one else is willing to make. Over the years I have observed people that call themselves leaders, but who easily give up when difficult times come to the organization. Leaders should strive to structure the organization to weather storms, but in any organization there will be times when hard decisions have to be made and a leader must be willing to make them for the good of the organization. This does not negate the need for servant leadership, but it is a reminder that leading often requires making decisions no one else is willing to make:

Times such as:

• When an employee is no longer a good fit…
• When difficult changes need implementing…
• When a current system is broke…
• When finances are strained…
• When a new opportunity or direction presents itself…

A person that seeks to be a leader should look deep in his or her gut before they accept the position of leadership to consider if they have the ability to make the tough calls. As momma used to say, “If you can’t stand the heat…get out of the kitchen.”

Do you have the guts to be a leader?

What is the most difficult decision you have had to make as a leader?

Related posts:

1. The Loneliness of Leadership
2. 7 False Beliefs of the Leadership Vacuum
3. Developing Your Personal Leadership Style
4. What Is Your Leadership Capacity?
5. Leadership Development for Dummies