Many years ago, when I was considering what to do with my career, I consumed a book written by Laurie Beth Jones entitled: “Jesus, CEO.” It was an insightful read designed to use the life of Christ as portrayed in the Bible and show how he modeled proper behavior for leaders that would come after him.
It discussed how Christ always did difficult things because of who he was…and because of his mantle of leadership. Paul tried to talk him out of going to Jerusalem but Jesus knew that he simply must go….it was his destiny.
Too often, leaders decide they have earned the right to have fun. Leading is fun especially if you have been forced to follow for a few decades in your profession. And while I like having fun more than most, I also understand that the only thing between me and embracing mediocrity is doing difficult and unpopular things. I draw on my own values and internally decide what is right for me and the institution I represent. Then, I do it. I do it after deliberation with my trusted colleagues in leadership but I do it without a long pause. None of that old procrastination that hopes the problem will be solved if I can just ignore it long enough.
I reflect back to the whole Jim Bakker fiasco. Here was a charismatic leader with a very popular product who couldn’t say no to his addictions---namely sex and money. He had plenty of fun and ended up in a fetal position under a desk in federal court. Bakker did some prison time too. He got there by not doing the difficult thing.
There is a point in everyone’s life when you have to decide-----I want to lead----or----no, I’ll leave that to some other schmuck. I decided long ago that leadership was not a popularity contest. And that was hard for me. I love being loved. But Bill Cosby said it best: “I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.“ Amen.
I refuse to get up every morning and lick my finger to detect the direction of the wind. I don’t admire presidents who use focus groups to determine public policy.
One of the wisest things ever told to me came from the longstanding Mayor of the City of Fairfield, Illinois….Hishonner Mickey Borah. When he was elected to the office was about the same time I rode into town to be the college president. I met him and asked him what he hoped to accomplish in his four year term. He answered quickly..
“I won’t make decisions based on whether or not it will give me a second four year term. I’ll make them because they are right things to do for the city.”
It probably helped that Mickey had a pretty good understanding of the Bible. The template is all there…Do difficult things….Jesus did.
What timing for me to read this Mike. Thank you, this blog has certainly made me think about several things going on in my own life. Very good and useful insight for anybody to work from.
ReplyDeleteAgain, I say thank you!