Winston Churchill, one of history’s greatest leaders, was rejected as a Prime Minister after World War II. He was voted out. Shortly after the end of WWII, the Labour Party, led by Clement Attlee, won that election, leading to Churchill’s replacement as Prime Minister. Churchill and the Conservative Party were voted out.
How could this be? I thought he was a great leader? Sometimes, people do not want you, even if you are the best. Maybe your strengths sap their strengths. Maybe they see something you do not when it comes to your skillset in respect to the needs of a specific culture or challenge.
Are you going through something like this? If so, remember this: Great leaders are not expected to lead in every setting, with everyone, and at every time.
I recall several instances in my life when I was not wanted in a position of leadership. While these rejections bothered me, now I welcome the experience as part of a life of leadership. Rejection for a position does not mean I am an ineffective leader. It just means it is not the right time or place for me to lead.
We also make a mistake when we fail to recognize when we are no longer wanted. When we ignore the signs, when we stay and lead anyway, we open ourselves to injury and decrease our self-confidence.
Any time we lead where we are not wanted, we often do major damage to ourselves, other people, and an organization.
How can I support you more as a Christian leader and entrepreneur?
Comment