KevinTestEncouraged by Kevin’s post about the Three Wise Men and unwilling to be out-blogged. I found this little nugget in a book on my shelf. I found it worthy to be posted in the blogosphere that is Leadership Voices.
There is a story of a young woman who wanted to go to college. Her heart sank when she read the question on the application that asked, “Are you a leader?”
Being honest, she wrote, “No,” and returned the application, expecting the worst.
Weeks later, she received this letter from the college:
“Dear Applicant: A study of the application forms reveals that this year our college will have 1,452 new leaders. We are accepting you because we feel it is imperative that they have at least one follower.”
My prayer is that this little story encourages and inspires you.
As we strive to lead can we admit honestly that we may not be the best qualified to lead but instead need to follow?
I certainly understand where this woman was coming from. I’ve often felt the same way. Many times over the years, especially at church, a choir director would approach me and ask me to participate. Unfortunately, I do not possess a great deal of musical talent, I can not carry a tune in a bucket. I would graciously decline the offer and tell them that “someone had to be in the audience.”
Thanks for the post.
Rene, your final sentence intrigues me. I would take it in a slightly different direction. And maybe it is just that I have the topic of reluctant leadership on my mind. But, I have often felt that although I may not be the best qualified one to lead at that moment, but I was the only one willing to lead. I am hoping that we have an author who is working on this topic of what I am calling “reluctant leadership” and preparing a post for us soon.
The post talks about honesty.
I look back at the 1,452 new leaders and wonder if they truly were leaders or just replied with an emphatic (or reluctant) yes because that was the ‘best’ answer. Being unqualified and then throwing our hat in the ring because of impatience may not be the best for the team.
It goes back to pride. Everyone wants to be a leader. But not many are. “Well if it’s going to get done. I guess I’ll have to do it.”
My wife is gifted with administration. She can herd cats. She can simplify the most complicated tasks, produce results, and lead others to the promise land. She is a leader. I have to encourage her to say “no” and just follow. This allows others to lead and cultivate their gifts of leadership.