When I think about 'common ground', I think about the heart of a leader. Not just one who leads or on the front lines of business or other. But one that has walked the road the rest of us may still be on. A leaders that has experienced loss of many different types. One that has been through the ups and downs of life, business and the emotions involved. One that has experienced frustration, even defeat and found a way to get back up and go further than he or she has ever been before. I believe with all my heart, what becomes one of the most valuable characteristic that attracts us to a great leader is 'common ground'. It has become one of the most beautiful rewards I have every experienced in leadership. What I thought would hurt me if people saw that I had been knocked down, actually did the exact opposite and became one of my greatest assets. To my surprise, people found something common in what I was going through, because they were going through similar situations themselves.
When I think of great leaders I think of King David. Here he was just anointed as a would be king. He slays Goliath and becomes a mighty warrior and before he knows it he is running for his life for the next 14 years. Hiding in a cave and suffering great emotional loss and fears of every kind. Can you imagine the mental battle he was going through? Here he thought his life was about to become an absolute dream and the next thing he knows he's running for his life... For a very long time. But here's my point. It was in that 14 year period of living with the pain of experience that not only gave him the wisdom he would need to be a great king when his time would come, but it gave him great favor through 'common ground' with thousands! his people didn't just respect him, they loved him! He eventually became arguably Israels greatest king that ever lived. If your desire is to be a great leader of any kind, there is a beautiful lesson along the journey, don't miss the treasure in your trial. Here is one of them. Pain brings humility and "humility" isn't weakness it's strength and can become so attractive to those that are fighting for the hope to one day become great, that we find the 'common ground' to dare to believe for another day, and to win the battle of becoming a leader ourselves. I believe with all that has been said here, greatness is truly found low. That's all for now... Until tomorrow... Overcome! If this blog leaves you feeling, please take the time to leave a comment. Thank you so much!
Great insights, Rick! It is through our trials that wisdom develops. Because of difficulties we go through, we gain new understanding of life and what others go through. When we go through challenges, God strengthens us and refines us, so that when we pull through them we may help others who go through those same challenges.
ReplyDeleteIn our business, when we show our vulnerabilities, we make ourselves more attractive to others, more authentic and real, and as a result more people can identify with us. Our relationships then become more authentic and rewarding as well.
Looking forward to more posts,
Sarah Bailey