Leadership can be hazardous to your health. One thing I wasn’t prepared for when we started Northway was all the criticism and personal attacks that go along with it. I would go thru seasons and then think…Man, I’m glad that’s over…it will never happen again. Then, it does. It comes with the mantle of leadership. So how do you stay open to people and not become cynical?
Cremeans Couch: Bil Cornelius Part 2 from Northway Church on Vimeo.
Being a hoop lover, thought you might like this: Leadership is diving for a loose ball, getting the crowd involved, getting other players involved. It’s being able to take it as well as dish it out. That’s the only way you’re going to get respect from the players. -Larry Bird
The personal attacks are just unproductive. I know how it feels, since I was subject to them also when I led two organizations. I don’t accept all criticisms, but I reflect on all.
Peter,
Love the quote from Larry Bird…..I just never liked him since I was a Sixers fan.:)
Now I am going to go back a ways, remember the Chamberlain v Russell days??
I was in a leadership role when I was in North Carolina. I was hired to implement a program for long-term suspended special ed kids for Wake County School. I experienced a lot of criticism and betrayal that at the time was stunning for me. The result was to drive me to the Lord. During this time the Lord laid President Bush on my heart as an example of a leader. (He also chastised me because I did not even bother to pray for him daily.) I also think of great leaders like Abraham Lincoln and his personal sacrifices and am humbled because it is an awesome challenge to live for the Lord. And then there is our Lord Jesus and what He went through on a daily basis. Suffice it to say, there is always a personal price to pay when called to be a leader and that is why I pray for you Buddy and am blessed to see what the Lord continues to do because of your heart towards Him.
Lauren,
Keep leading the way in North Carolina.
Great to hear from you.
Great advice as well.
Peter, Your are dating yourself….that is before my time.
Sometimes it takes us old folks awhile to get to the point.
Some stories are timeless … like the Celtics beating the 76ers. Sorry.
I believe Wilt Chamberlain (former 76er) still holds several NBA records and he was even voted one of the 50 best NBA players of all time. Wilt’s problem was he had one big ego. It took an assertive leader, Coach Hannum, to set the course right. Wilt had to learn that the team and its mission was more important than the individual. Wilt was brought back into the fold.
I like your leadership approach. I like a balance of humility with assertiveness.
So there you go, the wisdom of the ages for all the young whipper snappers. Timeless, ain’t it?
Actually I moved to Queensbury (NY) in 2008 and my family and I attend Northway. The Lord has used Northway in many great ways to bless our family. For example, my husband Mike has grown tremendously spiritually to the point that when the LORD told us that I needed to quit my job this past January to complete my degree, he obeyed…hugh step of faith. Another example is my nephew Stephen (was 16 at the time, now 18) was averted from going down the “wrong path” because your messages that were so powerful in his life. (these messages confirmed many things my sister was battling to teach him at the time- the LORD is awesome!!!). He is very open to share that you are his hero. I could go on…. I guess the best way to connect this back to the initial comments is that there are many more people that appreciate you and the LORD is using in powerful ways to bring good into lives. I know that we do…so keep leading the way in upstate NY