Ever Growing Ever Changing

Apparently, nobody wants the responsibility of leadership these days. A survey by Entrepreneur magazine indicated that only 38% of workers had goals of being a manager one day. It seems persons are worried about the added stress, pressure, and hours. There are other concerns too, like the additional pay associated with the promotion not being proportionate to the additional responsibilities. Naturally, no one wants to spend most of their time working and you cannot blame them for that.

Women’s Unique Challenges

As women, there are perhaps many additional reasons some of us may decide to avoid leading in the workplace. The demands of raising families are not easily reconciled with climbing the corporate ladder. Furthermore, it is often said that women lack the level of confidence men have in terms of career advancement. This is debatable, but men certainly do seem to at least have a greater tolerance for being disliked, which is part and parcel of leadership. So, for many women, a less demanding work situation, physically and emotionally may indeed seem attractive.

My Own Struggles as a Leader

For a while, I found myself seduced by the same thoughts of an easier professional life. I mean, after all, this is the era of “ease” and the “soft life”. I was in a middle managerial role, and while I got by and produced good results, secretly, I often resented the responsibilities of supervising staff, particularly the missed deadlines, occasional subpar work, and the constant oversight and guidance required. In addition to those, I still had to produce the technical work assigned to me specifically and for which I was wholly responsible. Naturally, such senior roles also come with much more uncomfortable responsibilities, such as setting and enforcing rules, managing conflict, and the dreaded performance review exercises.

So, I took to daydreaming about how great it would be to not be responsible for the output, growth, or welfare of anyone but myself. Imagine not having to work additional unpaid hours, be available almost 24/7, and chase staff about missed deadlines? But those dreams were short-lived because I soon felt a gnawing reminder in my spirit of Luke 12:48a (Holy Bible). It says, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required”. The truth is I had been prepared progressively for leadership by life, my employer, and my community. I had the mix of technical knowledge, soft skills, experience, and temperament. I was also constantly being shoved into leadership roles inside and outside of the workplace, sometimes to my chagrin.  How could I, after all this investment in me, decide that my experiences and capabilities were solely for my benefit?

Why Should You Consider Leadership?

It bears repeating that wanting an easier life is a valid goal, but what serves others well might not be the right path for Christian women. Of course,  no one should feel compelled to take on leadership roles if they do not feel competent or do not have the physical or emotional capacity to do so.  Where this is not the case, however, and where it is clear that life has somehow prepared you for leadership, consider how your unique perspectives as a woman and/or a Christian could be highly beneficial to the workplace.

It is important to ensure that the unique perspectives and insights of women are factored into decision-making. Furthermore, imagine if our organisations were managed under the principles of Christian leadership. True Christian leadership places emphasis on servanthood, humility, compassion, and integrity, all modelled by Christ. If you juxtapose these principles with the arrogance, self-centredness, and dishonesty prevalent in political, social, and corporate leadership today, you will appreciate why you are needed “for such a time as this”.

While I’ve since changed careers, I must say I am now looking forward to the opportunity to lead again. I now understand what an incredible privilege it is to help others grow to their highest potential and to help determine policies for my workplace for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders. Incidentally, by helping others to grow, I would also be developing high-level skills that allow me to reach my own potential. It’s a win-win. After all,  your career is not all about you and your wants or needs.  It is about service.

Is being a leader in your workplace something you yearn for?