Leadership, leadership, leadership…it’s all about leadership. Last week we talked about the critical role of leaders and their impact on organizations. We also discussed my transition as a leader from being “me” to “other” focused. I thought it would be helpful to discuss how that transition took place.
Prior to my conversion, which I mentioned in last week’s blog, I was very much motivated by success for success sake. Based on my belief system, I thought it spoke to my worth as a person, believing I needed to succeed to be loved. I was very busy trying to establish prominence, obtain numerous possessions, and experience pleasure in my life. I had a big ego. It was all about me.
Being a student of leadership, even back then, I had read numerous books. But I still didn’t get it. I’m not proud to say that I used to view my employees as “necessary evils”, there to help me achieve my goals.
Note…If you’re interested in why I was the way I was, you can reference my past blogs athttps://markjosephministries.com/blog/ or get my book, Overwhelming Pursuit: Stop Chasing Your Life and Live, at https://markjosephministries.com/book/.
Pre-conversion my “who” was my “do”. My “role” was my “identity”. The better my business was doing, the better I was doing. I felt loved, accepted, and respected based on my accomplishments. Post-conversion that all changed. I came to understand my identity as a child of God, loved unconditionally by Him and His Son Jesus Christ, made with special gifts and talents, put on this earth for a specific purpose.
I went through a process of healing my wounds, forgiving myself and others, and eliminating the resentments from my life. Then surrounding myself with only those who would help me in being the very best, I began to learn how to live the life God called me to. In referencing Scripture, specifically Jeremiah 1:5 and 29:11, as well as John 10:10, I found that I (we) am made for Greatness. The fact is that:
- God conceived of each of us thousands of years ago.
- He made us in his image and likeness.
- He doesn’t make junk, nor mistakes. We’re all a 10.
- God loves us more than we’ll ever know, no matter what we’ve ever done.
Given His love, He guides us in following His Will, to use our God given gifts to do great things…and to be happy. BTW, there’s no other way to achieve true happiness (peace, joy, and fulfillment). No longer concerned with the views of others about me…because it just doesn’t matter, I can now do those things which truly make me happy. I can be me.
Only once that transition was made could I become the leader that I am today. It’s not about me, but the people I have the honor to work with. It’s my deepest desire that they do very well in life, personally and professionally. And I know doing the very best they can do means living a life in Christ. That doesn’t mean I beat them over the head with a Bible, but instead love them for their “who”, not their “do”, their “identity” instead of their “role”.
It’s only in helping them be their best that our organization can be its best. Happy and fulfilled people make enthused and effective employees. And as stated last week, that only comes from contribution and ownership, neither of which are possible without the right leadership.
As always, please email me with questions or comments at [email protected].
God Bless you on your Path to Peace, Joy, and Fulfillment!!!
Mark Joseph