Every leader hoping to achieve success, has to start with the thought “I am the problem, until I am leading toward the solution” or they aren't leading (and most likely will not obtain success).
Why?
Because a main part of your job as a leader, is to lead your ________ (people, team, church, ministry, organization) out of problems and into solutions.
If you aren't readily doing that aspect of your job, then you are the reason that problems are not getting solved... which basically now makes you a part of the problem... and let me add, now the biggest part of the problem I believe!
"Ioannis, that is so not fair! There are lots of various things contributing to each problem! Why are you blaming me?"
Who has the power to lead the solution to the problem?
If you answered, "Not me.", then guess what, you are NOT the leader. Leaders always have the power to lead the solutions to problems, or they are not the leader.
If you answered, "I do.", then you are a leader. And as a leader, if you don't lead the solution to the problem, who will? Who else can?
"I delegated that task to another."
Great! Delegation is a form of leadership - the distributing of tasks and power, to most efficiently solve the greatest number of problems. Delegation is actually a form of leading toward the solution!
"I am not the only leader concerning this problem. One of the other leaders can lead toward the solution!"
That's fine. But as a leader concerning this problem, it is still up to you (and every other leader concerning this problem), to make sure that one of the leaders concerning this problem is not only leading toward the solution but is the best leader out of the group of leaders, to be leading toward the solution. This too is leadership! Every leader assuming responsibility for solving a problem to another leader, is not leading. The followers are all doing that. And a leader that isn't leading becomes a roadblock!
So, back to the question above: If you do not lead toward the solution to the problem, then who will? Who else can?
Think about this: To whom else has the Lord himself given that leadership power, authority, and stewardship to? The answer is, "to no one else." If you said, "the other leaders in the group", you missed the entire point a few paragraphs above.
So, if no one else can lead toward the solution, and you the leader are not leading toward the solution, then by your very choices and actions, you are dooming the solution to never come... and empowering the problem with great longevity. You have literally become part of the problem itself!
And now, for some else to lead toward the solution, they have to try and wrangle leadership out of your hands - which now also makes you a roadblock to the solution. Now, your are not only have you not lead toward the solution but become part of the problem itself, you have now grown the problem by adding yourself in as a roadblock to solving the problem.
Look, let me say it this way: Leadership starts with accepting all of the responsibility of leading. And that includes leading toward the solution. If you don't want to do that work, then PLEASE do not become a leader! If you need help accomplishing that work, reach out to us here.
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