Leadership Principles: A Trophy Case
Today’s post is a little bit of a departure from the typical leadership principles. In fact, it’s not a trait or principle at all but it’s still something we as leaders need to be mindful of. Something to build into our leadership portfolio to help us and our organizations continue to grow. This idea that leaders need to build a trophy case is one that I adopted several years ago and is one that has helped me navigate some frustrating and even disappointing times.
My leadership context is primarily, although not exclusively, teenagers. I’ve worked to develop and grow student leadership for more than fifteen years now. I’ve mostly done this through and within the student ministry that I pastor although I’ve also had opportunities to work with other ministries and organizations. One of the greatest things I’ve learned throughout all of this is leadership is hard, especially doing it this way. It takes a lot from you and oftentimes it feels as though the return isn’t worth the investment. The reality of it all is, leadership is hard, no matter the context. You’re pouring yourself into an organization and people constantly. So what’s the deal with the trophy case then?
After many years of doing leadership this way, I’ve had some success stories and other stories that aren’t quite as favorable. Leadership is hard, remember. There have been days in life, leadership, and ministry that i wanted to step away, to call it quits. That’s where the trophy case comes in. Much like that athlete that needs reminding of why they play, they look to their trophy case to be reminded. That and the love of the game.
I’m passionate about developing leaders, that is the game that I love and am called to. My trophy case are those students that are the success stories. The ones that have gone on from time with me to do great things in their chosen profession, their family, or whatever it may be. It’s a reminder for me that what I’m doing and the way I’m doing it matters. It’s a reminder to keep going, even when things are tough. We all need to be encouraged at times.
Who makes your trophy case? Who are some people make you want to keep going? To keep leading? If you don’t have one, I’d like to encourage you to “build” your trophy case. Let those you’ve led be an encouragement to keep leading. Keep pressing on! You have what it takes!