Why A Leader's Ego can lead to the fall of an organization.
- Willliam Vogel
- Sep 1, 2017
- 2 min read
Why A Leader's Ego can lead to the fall of an organization. People follow a leader that they hope is operating for the "Greater Good ." When a leader forgets this he is setting himself up for failure. Selfishness and a "me first" attitude can lead to pride, and the Bible says pride goes before the fall. The leader needs to keep his ego in check. He needs to be quick to apologize when toes are stepped on. A real apology is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. To be able to empathize with the offended parties and to attempt to make things right can turn the offended party from adversary or enemy to ardent supporter. Leaders that carry grudges and focus on grievances are usually leaders that do little introspection, and often never take any responsibility for their part in the offense. A leader who is unable to do this and makes no intentional effort to mend the tear in the team will lose the team. It is a sad thing to see people who lead organizations always starting over. Ever watch a business, church or mission organization that seems to always have to start over to build again. Ask yourself why and while you are pointing fingers, remember four of your fingers are pointing right back at you. The lack of forgiveness and the lack of taking responsibility will create an atmosphere of anger, bitterness, and animosity. The result is insult and injury. Leaders must empathize and then forgive. It is not always easy to ask the hard questions. What part did I, as the leader, play in this offense? Am I as the the leader carrying a grudge or resentment? Why is this happening and why is it bothering me so much? Am I, as a leader, protecting myself at all costs or am I looking beyond myself? How have the actions harmed you and how have they harmed the other parties? What have I learned? Strife and rivalry can bring a stifling stop to the effectiveness of your leadership, the dream and vision you have for the enterprise, church, or your life. I have watched as a business is near the point of momentum. In other words, it is about to go to the next level or new heights, and wham!! It is hit with conflict and strife. The leader now has a choice; he can either allow the drag of resentment and strife to slow down, and even completely destroy the foundation of the organization, or he can humble himself and see what part I played and am I willing to seek forgiveness and am I willing to forgive. Churches split, mission organizations dissolve, and businesses disappear because leaders don't stop and think. Take responsibility for your part and then forgive and set to mending the tear in the relationship. Don't let the death spiral of negativity take hold of the organization. - it could signal the end. James 4:6. God resists the proud but give grace unto the humble." KJV