Are we strength-finders?
One of the most important roles of an effective servant-leader is to surround ourselves with those who have talents that we do not possess. Of course, this sounds easy enough. But the reality is many of us do not do this well. Why, you ask?
Well, because before we begin the process we are required to do two things that most of us have a difficult time doing: 1) Humble ourselves; and 2) Let go of ego.
These two intertwined components require us to admit that we cannot do everything well - that there are others who can do some things better than we can. Many of us would rather attempt to fix a problem on our own than admit that there is someone else who might be able to handle the situation better. It is a tempting scenario that pulls us in with visions (dare I say delusions) of praise coming from all corners for having fixed the problem ourselves.
Once we are able to put our ego aside and attend to issues with humility, problems are much easier to deal with. Instead of immediately thinking of how we will fix the problem, the first thought will be 'Who has the ability to handle this situation most effectively?' And at this point we will move from problem-solvers to strength-finders; we will seek out those whose talents will best serve the institution in dealing with current and future roadblocks. And we will be well on our way to becoming an effective servant-leader.
Well, because before we begin the process we are required to do two things that most of us have a difficult time doing: 1) Humble ourselves; and 2) Let go of ego.
These two intertwined components require us to admit that we cannot do everything well - that there are others who can do some things better than we can. Many of us would rather attempt to fix a problem on our own than admit that there is someone else who might be able to handle the situation better. It is a tempting scenario that pulls us in with visions (dare I say delusions) of praise coming from all corners for having fixed the problem ourselves.
Once we are able to put our ego aside and attend to issues with humility, problems are much easier to deal with. Instead of immediately thinking of how we will fix the problem, the first thought will be 'Who has the ability to handle this situation most effectively?' And at this point we will move from problem-solvers to strength-finders; we will seek out those whose talents will best serve the institution in dealing with current and future roadblocks. And we will be well on our way to becoming an effective servant-leader.
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