As leaders we all go through life and work holding to past regrets, those disappointments over lost or missed opportunities. We’re sad or repentant over things that we wish we had done differently.
Thomas Paine (1737-1809) was an English-born Founding Father of the United States. An inventor and philosopher, he authored Common Sense, a pamphlet that was influential at the start of the American Revolution.
As Jesus began teaching on earth, His words about leadership and leading were shocking. In fact, they were so at odds with religious leaders of the time, they believed Jesus could not possibly be the Savior they were hoping and waiting for.
On the surface the story of Job may seem a cruel game. A faithful man, he suffers greatly, questions God, and receives God’s pointed response. How should we lead when faced with trials and difficulty?
In leadership we might go out on a limb, try something new, give an idea a season. But when the result isn’t what we wanted or hoped for, our minds turn to the idea that we “need to get back”. Back the basics. Back to reality. Back to normal.
Rejection is to spurn or refuse someone. Rejection can be good in the long run, but it still hurts. We feel a sting when it happens. Jesus Himself was often rejected. In fact, the Bible speaks often of rejection and how to handle it.
Your leadership has seasons. A change in jobs or your workplace role, a new project or goal, a new boss or a new report—so many elements of work or career can bring about a season of rebirth and renewal. Are you in spring?
Consistently employ a rigorous and reliable failure analysis process to accurately assess the root cause of the failure, and then determine whether blame or praise is required.