True Leadership Lesson is Leadership

Here I am. A Whitworth graduate with all the answers and willingness to jump into any leadership role that is offered to me after school; however, a week into my new director job and I've come to realize that everything I learned in class was just the frosting on the cake of leadership. My education gave me the ability to tell you the differences between why two generations can't communicate, explain why management thinks a certain way and possibly discuss almost everything on a financial report, with the greatest of ease; however, I think that it really missed the human part of leadership. The idea that every employee has their own way of thinking and their own idea of what they think a leader can and can't do. This week has been my time to not only address my title role but to also express a need for change in an environment that hasn't had leadership for the last year. It's been interesting to say the least.

The challenges that come with being a leader go beyond your title. I've been reading a lot of leadership books to prepare for this position. I've recruited many different leaders for mentors to help guide me in this new chapter of my life. I've interviewed most of the employees and have listened to everyone’s feed-back to determine what needs to change and what needs to not be touched. I've found that no matter how prepared you are for any job, the human aspect is one that can't be addressed till you’re in the position and dealing with it firsthand. I have to say though; I have an amazing team that will not only blow the standards out of the water but are also willing to help and wanting me to lead them.

On my third day, I had an employee tell me that they were happy I was there. Everyone thinks that I will do well; however, I'm nervous because I now realize that I have so many people's trust in leading them into a successful future with this company. I now have these expectations of helping this team become an amazing group of productive individuals. I think it's scary to realize how much influence one can have when someone gives you a title of leadership. I don't want to take this title to heart because it's only a title. I want to lead these people and earn not only the title, but their respect in leading them. I think Jesus' reflection of being a 'gentleman leader' is the one that I want to take. I don't want to force anyone to follow me but pray that with guidance, a prayerful heart and a whole lot of patience, God will make me the leader that these people need me to be for them. When God does that, I won't need to force anyone because they will want to follow and be lead.