DON’T TRY THIS ‘ALONE.’

Leadership only seems safe to the uninitiated. Those of us who have tried it know better. In fact, there is probably not a more complex, difficult and (yes) treacherous task a person can embark upon than leadership. Commercials depicting dangerous stunts in the 80s advised, “Warning: The following stunts have been performed by professionals. Don’t try this at home.” But the more appropriate warning for leaders (especially newer leaders and leaders in new spaces) is “Warning: Don’t try this 'alone.'”  Leadership can be a lonely endeavor, but wise leaders don't go it alone. This is because they understand, "if you want to fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together." (African Proverb) A biblical proverb explains it this way - "there is safety in the multitude of counsel." (Proverbs 11:14) And ‘counsel’ takes many forms - including active and passive mentors, advisors and coaches, other team members, books, materials and resources. Wise leaders understand that a person’s level of effectiveness is not cultivated in isolation. Instead, it is highly correlated with the quality of 'counsel' that they consistently receive and follow. #LeadWithDiscretion

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