Thoughts on Leadership

I’ve had quite a few intensive experiences revolving around the massive subject of “Leadership" lately and I’m trying to process all of it. Between spending four days with an Emerging Leaders Cohort with CCDA, a 10 day cross country bike race with a bunch of leaders, and then two days at the Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit, my brain is overflowing with leadership experiences and leadership philosophies. 

Bill Hybels, pastor of Willow Creek Church

A *disclaimer* would be good right about here. The following thoughts are running through my “filter" and not a generalized filter about leadership and/or Christian leadership for that matter. My filter includes a lot of social justice, compassion, and community engagement stuff and not a lot of grow a successful/profitable business right now.

My current thoughts on leadership revolve around direct practitioners and not professional speakers and/or generalists. I’ve been impressed far more by those whose leadership skills shine in the moments of adversity, conflict, and opportunity. You can sense their leadership abilities not by their 5 point presentation but through the stories they tell of their experiences and failures. 

Cory Booker, the mayor of Newark, NJ, presented at the Willow Creek Summit. I didn’t catch as much of the leadership philosophy ideas he was communicating as much as I picked up on the fact that his deep connection to his community fueled his ability to lead. He is deeply invested in the role of Mayor and being connected to the ground level of his city that he naturally leads from the ground level and in turn leads up. How many mayors do you know that join midnight basketball leagues to help curb crime in poor neighborhoods or respond to countless Twitter requests for snow removal in the middle of a snow emergency? Probably not many. 

I’m attracted to leaders who lead from a sense of calling and passion to make our neighborhoods, cities, country and the world better. I’m attracted to those that share their stories of struggle, hardship, tough lessons, and then the small wins of people they interact with. The wins of people and not the wins of bottom lines. Bottom lines are definitely important and keep the work going. Trust me, I know, I do run a nonprofit that has a budget. 

CCDA Emerging Leaders

I’ve seen some incredible moments of leadership in action, especially on the Race For Congo. There were 16 people stressed out with broken bodies, sleep deprivation, and tired of ham sandwiches (inside joke). There were more than a few times when the plan wasn’t going as planned and when immediate decision making was needed to stay on the course. There were more than a few people that entered into those moments with an open ear, clear focus, and determined decision making despite the challenges in front of them. Most of all, they made decisions with clear communication and grace.

Race For Congo crew deciding on a new route to take

In my mind Leadership will always be best learned when you’re either in over your head or doing something no one else wants to do. The lessons will always be learned in hindsight as you reflect on what you did well and what you needed to do better. They’re learned when you’re asking for forgiveness of those you hurt along the way. They’re learned when you realize you’re on the cusp of success and someone finally comes along to help. They’re learned when you’re at the end of yourself and you need the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit to intercede on your behalf in order to make it through. 

What are you learning about Leadership these days?