I’ve learned by experience there is often one sign I am doing something good as a leader.
It’s not fool proof. Thankfully it doesn’t happen every time because even though it may be a sign of good work it can be equally exhausting. In my experience, however, when this is present you could be on to something important. Good work, some of the best work, somehow seems to attract this signal.
You may know you’re doing something good as a leader when you attract opponents.
Here is the reality – few people worry about the people doing nothing. I do have a mentor who says, “Ron, I can guarantee you two things about leadership. People are going to complain if you change things. And people are going to complain if they stay the same.”
He’s right. That’s leadership. But it does seem it’s when I’m doing some of my best work that the critics find me. Many times it’s a very small number of people but they have very loud voices. The best supporters are often more silent. (I’ve never completely understood that but it’s often true.)
I think we have Biblical principles to illustrate this.
“But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door of effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.” 1 Corinthians 16:8-9
They were doing great; Kingdom work – but it didn’t stop the opponents from coming forth. Jesus could even testify to that.
Have you noticed the more you do for good the more opposition you receive?
I often encourage leaders at conferences when I speak to not allow a few critics to determine the worth of your work or your self-worth.
The moral here has a Scripture basis also. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9
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