5 Things I Have To Do, But Don’t Like To Do As a Leader
A friend recently asked me to name the top 5 things I do because I have to do, but don’t necessarily like to do. He called it the “underbelly of leadership”. It was a great question, so I decided to share the answer here.
Managing – I much prefer leading a vision versus managing the process of accomplishing the vision. I love big pictures, but stress over details. Part of my role, however, as a leader is to insure that the vision is actually accomplished and not simply painted. (Read a related post HERE.)
Correcting – I would rather receive the “Best Boss” award by being Mr. Nice Guy. Part of the leader’s responsibility, however, is to constructively correct errors so that the team gets better and the organization continues to improve.
Waiting – I know patience is a fruit of the Spirit, but it is the one I struggle with the most. I want accomplishment and quick and consistent follow-through. I have to recognize, however, that fast is not always best and that others on my team are wired different from me for a reason. They balance me well.
Submitting – I would rather have it my way. The fact is there are smarter people than me on our staff about some issues and if things are only done my way we will be limited to my strength and not the strength of the team.
Failing – I like to win. I want success and progress. It is how I am wired and the desire for a win keeps me focused on accomplishing the vision through strategy and diligence. The fact remains, however, that some of my greatest growth times in life and leadership have come through times of failure. I have to allow failure in my life and in the life of our team and help us to learn ways to improve through failing.
Leaders, how would you answer the question? What are the top 5 things you do because you have to do, but don’t necessarily like to do?
One response to "5 Things I Have To Do, But Don’t Like To Do As a Leader"
Wow Ron, you nailed me! I’ve had to face a few of these issues intensely just in the last week or two and they are the tough issues. Thanks for the encouragement to see them as a necessary part of good leadership.
.-= Brandon Cox´s last blog ..When Change Is Bad =-.