One of the most common complaints among leaders is the feeling of loneliness. As pastoral leaders we are not exempt from this feeling either. Sometimes our loneliness is a result of poor choices or assumptions we have made as a leader. Other times, we can be exactly where we need to be, standing in the center of God’s will and realize that we are alone.
Top 5 cures for leadership-loneliness via leadershipfreak.wordpress.com (parenthetical statements are mine)
- Be who you are – take time to reflect. Faking drains you. (We are more Clark Kent than Superman and most everyone already knows that. Don’t be afraid to be yourself. People avoid “phonies”.)
- Listen to dissent and examine your passions early in the process. (Don’t win the battle and lose the war. If God has put you a position of leadership, it is as a shepherd who cares for the sheep, not as dictator. Lead passionately but listen intently. If you do, even those who disagree with you will yield to your leadership.)
- Build a support network. (Find people outside of your direct leadership that can be your encouragers. This could be accountability partners, mentors, other leaders etc. Also don’t neglect the built-in support system of your family. God has called and placed you there FIRST.)
- Create a culture of ownership. (Hold things loosely. The easiest way to alienate others and find yourself all by yourself is to have a selfish mentality.All of the decisions don’t need to be made by you. God has called you to lead as a steward of His church. Make sure that everyone feels as though they are co-owners in the Kingdom of God.)
- Engage others in the process. (No one is creative in a vacuum. We all need input from others. Be sure to take advantage of the talent and gifting of those around you.)
If we put these things to work in our lives, there will still be times when we feel lonely and disconnected. However, we wont feel that way nearly as often, because we have intentionally gathered others by our leadership rather than scattering them.
Did Anyone Hear That?
-Dusty-
