Leaders Listening
Every year, Christians worldwide observe the season of Lent by giving up something for 40 days. This act of self-denial is meant to be a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. But what if we took this a step further and used Lent as an opportunity to focus on becoming better leaders? Refining our leadership draws us closer to Christ. Here are six things great leaders give up for Lent.
#1 Give up the need to be right
How often have you engaged in an argument, insisting on having your say, even when you knew you were wrong? As leaders, we must be able to admit when we’re wrong. Pride is a major obstacle to growth, both personally and professionally. So, let go of your need to always be right and instead focus on being teachable. A teachable spirit is one of the most important traits of a great leader.
Also if you are always right, it means others by definition are always wrong. That puts others in an untenable position. What if there is more than one way to look at things? When you give up the need to be right, you will discover new ways of looking at things.
#2 Give up having to be in control
As leaders, it’s a challenge for us to let go of control. We want things done a certain way, and we want them done now! But micromanaging only leads to frustration and resentment. This Lent, practice letting go of the reins and giving others the freedom to take charge. You might be surprised at how well they do! Great leaders manage teams who go on to carry out the vision and the mission even beyond their time with you.
Remember that you trained your leaders; the ultimate sign of respect is to trust and empower them to do their jobs. The goal of leadership is not to control but rather to encourage growth and development.
#3 Give up the need to be popular
Getting caught up in what other people think of us is easy—especially as leaders. We want people to like us; sometimes, we’ll go above and beyond to ensure that happens. But at what cost? This Lent, focus on being authentic to yourself, even if it makes some people unhappy. Being a true leader is not so much about what people think about you but what you think about yourself and how you ensure the health of the institution and the people you lead.
Being popular is often easy. Being faithful can be a lot harder.
#4 Give up the need to be busy
We’re always running from one thing to the next in today’s adrenalized society. Being busy doesn’t necessarily mean being more productive. It can mean the opposite. When we are too busy to reflect and be introspective, our decisions suffer, and we become less effective leaders.
In fact if we’re too busy being busy, we can forget the purpose of our work: to draw close to God, draw others close to God, and live the Kingdom way now.
This Lent, give up the need to be busy. Take some time for yourself—to rest, reflect, and recharge. You’ll come back refreshed and ready to tackle whatever comes your way!
#5 Give up the need to have all the answers
As leaders, we’re expected to have all the answers, but, of course, that’s simply not possible. No one knows everything, and that’s okay. This Lent, practice being vulnerable and admitting when you don’t know something. It’ll make you more relatable and approachable as a leader.
I recently saw a talk by Sir Ken Robinson. In the video, he shares an experience of a time when he hosted an event with the Dalai Lama. When asked a question, the Dalai Lama paused and said, “I don’t know.”
This moment of humility was a powerful reminder to many in the audience to always be open to learning from others. Leadership is not about just having an answer. Those we lead might be the ones with some of the answers! Listening and learning from others, including those we’re leading, are vital components to strong leadership.
#6 Give up trying to be perfect
Mistakes happen. They are part of the process of living and leading. Trying to be perfect could mean you are getting stuck in analysis paralysis—planning the perfect process or outcome before taking action. Planning for perfection means missing opportunities to bring good into the world now.
There’s a gift that comes from giving up on trying to be perfect – the gift of simply being. Perfection isn’t a realistic goal for anyone. Focus instead on letting the Spirit guide you and your people. Learning from any mistakes you make along the way will move you forward faster than dwelling on your lack of perfection.
What Great Leaders Get in Return for Giving up Illusions
When great leaders give up the six illusions—of being right, in control, popular, busy, having all the answers, and trying to be perfect—they get something inestimable in return: Christlikeness. Absent these illusions, Christ was simply and deeply connected to God, allowing God’s perfection to flow through him. Christlikeness is what the season of Lent is all about.
If you want your people to grow in the ways of Christ, lead by example and let go of these six illusions together. You will deepen your spiritual path as a congregation. And rise higher on Easter Morning.
This Lenten season, challenge yourself to give up something that will make you a better leader. Whether it’s giving up your need to be right or letting go of control, use this time as an opportunity for growth.
Who knows? You might find that these things are worth giving up permanently!
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