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5 things you get as a leader: If you are a real leader don’t expect a parade!

September 15, 2009 at 9:10 am, by Rich Kirkpatrick

leadership

Read Philippians 2:1-11 for reference…

Really, sometimes I wonder if we who lead in any capacity get it at all. Jesus came to serve and lay down His life for His Father’s mission. We want perks for minimal sacrifice! Here is list of five things that you will get instead of your parade:

  1. Legacy: whether its a good one or bad one is not the question. What you do will impact and last beyond you. You can be an inspiration, pleasant memory or the fart caught up in a whirlwind.
  2. Pushback: even those who are on your side from time to time will press against you. Then, there are those who are competing against your very mission in life. Count on being pushed back–whether friendly fire or not it will come.
  3. Loneliness: there will be some decisions, seasons and issues that you have to be the last man (or woman) standing on. Its not lonely at the top, its lonely at the sewer where real leadership happens.
  4. Fatigue: I need not say too much here. Its tiring when you are thinking through, praying through leadership of people. Do not think you can coast or be comfortable. Managing fatigue is a major responsibility of leadership.
  5. Reward: you may not get your parade this side of heaven nor deserve one. But, what we suffer with Christ as we live His mission will indeed give us reward. You may get reward this side of heaven, actually. But, that is not gonna help you. It may hurt you if you ever feel entitled to it.

Do you have any additions or comments about this list?

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Categories Christian Life, Leadership | Tags:

  • http://jennicatron.tv Jenni Catron

    Great thoughts. Great list!

  • http://www.fayebryant.com Faye

    Excellent and timely words! Thanks!

  • Pastor John Woolard

    well said, bro – with honesty and reality. “leaders” looking for the parade are forgetting Jesus’ example: the higher you get, the lower you have to be.

  • http://richkirkpatrick.com Rich Kirkpatrick

    thanks for the feedback!

  • http://www.worshiptherock.com/ Phil

    Thanks for sharing this Rich – great stuff!

    Phil

  • http://blog.worshiptherock.com/ Phil

    Thanks for sharing this Rich – great stuff!

    Phil

  • http://www.greatadventure.sg Simon

    Thks Rich for this.
    They r well written and honest thots….I couldn’t agree more! =)

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=567985826 Matt Anderson

    These past leadership blogs have been very impacting for me, they seem very relevant to me. On a lighter note . . . sometimes I don’t mind being the fart in the wind!

    • http://richkirkpatrick.com Rich Kirkpatrick

      Very appropriate Matt! ;) thanks!

  • Jack Rodosta

    This was not part of your list but…….

    6. Encouragement. Sometimes you get those little pats, nice job, hey good service today. That makes you work all that much more for Him!

    Rich my favorite service is when you sing to an audience of One. When I see your whole band tune out like no one else exists and there’s no show. All of you sing and play from grateful, love filled hearts to the One we came to Worship. Showing the church body, by example what Worship should be like. That’s Leadership!

    Thank You!

    • http://richkirkpatrick.com Rich Kirkpatrick

      You do sometimes get encouragement and you are right, we need it. Thanks for modeling that. :)

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