I’m an idea guy.
Ideas are plentiful, I know, but I tend to have more than average.
As a leader in an organization, that means I throw out a lot of ideas to those I lead.
Some of them work.
Some don’t.
One thing I’ve learned, though, is that if an idea sticks, someone else may end up using it.
If it’s a success, others may get credit for my idea.
In fact, some may never remember where the idea originated.
And that’s ok.
Part of being a leader is celebrating the success of others.
I’m not saying it’s always easy.
Our nature causes us to love the recognition.
But that’s what leaders do.
Leaders seek the progress of the organization over recognition for the leader.
Be honest, are you okay if others get credit for your idea?
I ran into this quote in my reading today, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” Harry S Truman
Enlightening and convicting at the same time.
I've seen that one and I like it. Thanks Kenny
Loved this post Ron – reflects the heart of a man who knows the audience of One – is the only audience that matters.
Yes, this is what leaders do. Thanks for leading and inspiring us with the truth.
Thanks Tami
Sometimes, it happens the other way around. Subordinate will be pitching in his creative ideas to his supervisor. Subsequently, the supervisor uses that idea at appropriate forum and bags the credit.
Hmm! It's all in the part of the game. One needs to accept the truth and keep moving.
This is a playful debate with my pastor. We often find ourselves "misquoting" each others ideas for our own…maybe not politically correct but keeps us both on our toes, and keeps us accountable for moving the team along and not making it about either on of us. Either way we have found that "A good idea has 1000 fathers, a bad one is an orphan. Its a work in progress…..
Twitter: jonathanpearson
says:
This takes a lot of humility. Especially in the church leadership world, it often becomes more about competition than purpose. Our calling is so big, we all have to get this. Thanks man.
Thanks Jonathan. You're right…considering the size of the calling it will take us all.
One of my favorite quotes – "Who cares who scores, as long as we get the touchdown" – Tom Mullins
Used to get asked a lot "who came up with that idea?". Made sure the entire staff said "we did" because it was true, we all contribute whether big or small. God gets the credit, period. End of story.
Great quote. That's a great practice too!
I'm not happy about it; in fact, I sometimes feel pretty angry if credit is not given to me for something I did. And, I think it's right to feel angry about injustice, even injustice that's done to me.
On the other hand, how I direct that anger and my sense of being wronged/not appreciated is important. Do I rant and protest on Facebook? No. Do I send a subtle but obvious email to whoever forgot to mention me? Hopefully not. Instead, I go to God with my anger, and then I go and appropriately share my feelings with the person, especially if he or she is a member of the Body. If not, then I still go, but very gently and very wisely…hopefully.
That's a great process Brett. If you continue this as a young leader it will protect you from a dangerous ego as you continue in church leadership.
This lesson has been one of the slowest and hardest ones I've learned…but one of the most liberating once learned.
I agree.