Dangerous Leadership
While I won’t argue that lack of character has brought down more good leaders than just about anything, I would say insecurity runs a very close second. An insecure leader is a dangerous leader.
Insecurity can torment the most gifted of leaders. It will make you…
doubt instead of trust
criticize instead of praise
protect instead of risk
assume the worst instead of the best
talk instead of listen
micromanage instead of empower
control instead of surrender
In the end it will erode your effectiveness and leave you useless and powerless. Your worst nightmare will become a reality as you look around to discover that no longer is anyone following you.
What does your insecurity look like when it raises its ugly head?
Thanks for the great reminders Pete. As I reflect on your “list” it occurs to me that it’s a lot easier to see those traits of insecurity in someone else then in myself as a leader.
“Micromanage instead of empower” – that’s a big one, and really requires growth on the part of the leader.
This is a great reminder – thanks for posting!
I’ve struggled so much with this issue. It’s been a daily battle to keep my eyes focused on the cross rather than in the mirror. My insecurity causes me to focus on me. I soon forget about anything and everybody else and throw a pity party because things aren’t the way I wanted them to be. I’ll also start to complain about everything. I become exactly what I don’t want to be.
So thankful for his grace. I’m also thankful you wrote this post. It’s a reinforcement for me that “It’s not about me. It’s about HIM.”
I take over. Rather than delegate, I over commit my own time & efforts to make sure something is done to my standards.
talk instead of listen – yep.
limit your team instead of expand them in new directions
promote self over promoting others
Love this!
This is a powerful message for leaders. I shared it with our senior leadership team. Thank you Pete.
That was awesome!!!!!!!!!
“Protect instead of risk” likes to creep out of the shadows of insecurity. As a creative this can be a deadly assassin.
WOW, amazing post Pete… Not only can this be applied in leadership outside the home BUT as a parent as well.
Thanks for the reminder. I struggle with my own insecurities when it comes to pastoral leadership. I cling to the promise of 2 Cor 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”
My insecurity always looks like control. I am horrible at trying to take control of things when I feel insecure. For some reason I have enabled myself to believe that when things are slipping or I’m insecure, that only I can fix the situation. Not only does it overextend me, and leave me scrambling in a thousand directions trying to do everything myself, it simply isn’t true. Giving up control usually makes me feel more insecure in the moment which is why it’s hard to shut off (= It’s something I battle all the time and work hard on. Situations where I do not rush to take control have only helped me in my growth, and provided healthier situations at home, at work, and in my walk. There is a certain level of freedom from my insecurites when I give up my control mode.
Fear of failure hands down controlled my every movement to be a great leader. I consciously look at fear as a choice now. I was so caught up in my own ego. I cared more about what others thought about me, then what my creator called me to be. I can honestly say I am scared to fail, but the prize is wisdom you can’t inherit. Grateful for you Pastor Pete and the leaders at CP.
Good word Pete. I needed to hear that.
Great reminder! As a talker myself I find I gain more wisdom by opening my ears instead of my mouth. A good healthy kick to the gut reality check is good for the soul, keeps us looking up. Thanks for sharing this!
Grateful for:
1. withoutwax.tv–great post today, thanks Pete. I totally micromanage.
2. a continued relationship with my stepmother after dad died.
3. a new partnership to host the Dallas Casa Classic.
Wow. Did you hit the nail on the head! The leadership of an insecure leader just about destroyed our family several years ago. I am so thankful for God’s mercy and grace.
I would say that you are right on point. Insecurity will cause a good person do selfish things. The inability to allow others to strengthen the leader in the areas of insecurities is the kiss of death. Soon the followers become weary because they seemingly get the brunt of the frustrations of the leader. We were all given talents and gifts, a good leader realizes the areas of strength and weakness and allows others who are strong the an area to operate. I have a MBA in Organizational Leadership and what I have noticed is that outside of bad fiscal management, most organizations never realize their full potential because the leaders fail to relinquish control and trust others to assist in managing the organization. No one person knows everything, identify and empower the talent around you to strengthen your leadership.
You nailed it.. All of the above for me, from time to time.
Would like to see a likened list describing your thoughts on character.
Wow! Very inspiring words, bringing a self
PETE:
Wonderful article on ‘Dangerous Leadership’…You ‘Hit The Nail on The Head!’ Bro!!….Short–Sweet–POWERFUL!!! This is the very reason(s) among others I LEFT the organized church where I was an Associate Pastor for 10+ years in 2004. I was DAMN sick of it!…True Godly Leadership,sets the example NOT by Rhetoric, But ‘An Authentic Life Lived’ AMONG the sheep,,,getting ‘down & dirty’ with the sheep as it were,,,, True Leadership of GOD Never Ensnares & Encumbers God’s People BUT EMPOWERS the Saints for Ministry,,,Thanks for sharing
Matt Geib
see my article about what I went thru under ‘Dangerous Leadership’
http://matthewsmatters.com/lessons-learned-hard-30-years-organized-church-part/
Pete:
Here is part 2 if you dare to read it…
http://matthewsmatters.com/lessons-learned-hard-30-years-organized-church-part-2/
Matt Geib
Such a true point. I have seen many leader’s fall because of being insecure. I think we all deal with some sort of insecurity’s but the key is to be able to lead self and manage those areas.
Jealousy, apathy & negativity…
Bingo!
I wished more was talked about with this insecurity thing in leaders–even the most gifted and successful ones. Truly, it is a huge issue.
Nail on the head!
fear.. and more fear.. insecurity and perfectionist tendencies always make me feel inadequate no matter how well others say I have done. It raises it’s ugly head through continual self doubt and second guessing myself alot. It has been a horrible bondage since I was young and I continually pray that God delivers me from it.
Insecurity rears its ugly head in my life in the form of bouts with depression.