
We must.
We took it all in. World class speakers. Challenging us to increase our leadership. Encouraging us with their stories. Inviting us to become more. Equipping us with their principles and perspectives.
It was as energizing as it was draining. Similar to a day at the beach. We felt good after, and at the same time we felt like we had done the equivalent of a mind marathon.
We felt tired after the first speaker, and then we had eight more we could sit through and learn from.
One of the initial sessions came with a challenge to identify some of the most formative people in our leadership journey, and find a way to express our gratitude to them.
Without these people we wouldn’t be where we are today.
For Ben a moment sticks out from what seems like an eternity ago in his freshman year in college. He was freshly eighteen years old, which means he had his whole life figured out, or at least he’s expected to have it mostly figured out.
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The end of my first year of “independence” was coming to a close. Bethel College provided me with a lot of highlights and a slew of development opportunities. One that intrigued me most was becoming a Resident Assistant in the freshman dorm. I had the mistaken idea that my brother held that role while he attended the college, and I wanted to be like him.
I was talking with my RA, whom I had developed a good relationship with, about applying for the position next year. I acted wishy washy about it because I was looking for an ego booster, and he told me that it wasn’t an option for me. It didn’t matter how I felt about taking the position because Bethel needed leaders and I was one. That statement continues to form my life.
Cut the c-rap and get down to business. Leaders look for what they can add to the situation. How can I give my life and my work to a cause that I so deeply believe in?
I had someone call out leadership in me, and I hope I’ve had a similar impact on the younger people I spend time with. I’m focusing more on it. I hope you are now too. It’s challenging, and I’m learning still. I’ll say things I shouldn’t and I’ll miss opportunities. I’m working to minimize those times.
Who in your life are you focusing on building up their leadership? And what are you doing with them?
How are you increasing your own leadership? We can only reproduce who we are, and we can only go where we’re looking. How are you becoming more aware of your strengths, weaknesses?
I’d do a few things differently if I were an RA again. I’d spend more time building people up directly rather than indirectly. I’d have pointed conversations with the intent of helping them realize their potential.
I don’t regret what I did. I was learning on the go, as I still am. I’m sure five years down the road I’ll think of ways I could be doing things better now. Or at least I hope that’s the case, otherwise I remain stagnant.
Regret left unchecked is crippling. Regret dealt with properly allows for huge growth.
I’m content with where I am, and yet I’m not satisfied.
Are you?
