Leading is a challenge.

Leading in the midst of division is all the more so.

But I’m confident that it can be done.

As our nation begins to settle into the reality of last night’s election, and the direction of our country for the next four years, there are some things that I hope our elected officials might consider — and that we, as ministry leaders, might model — as we seek to move forward for the betterment of those that we have been called (or elected) to serve.

For those who lead…

Lead with grace and humility. “Winning,” or being the boss can lead to an over-inflated sense of self. Nobody likes an arrogant leader. Nobody wants to follow someone who thinks they are always right, or who believes that they “other side” — or those with differing views — have nothing to offer.

Leading with grace and humility will go a long way to restore relationships, reconcile differences, and pave the way for future collaborative efforts.

Be willing to listen to others. We must be willing to consider the voices of those who differ from us. It is often through the wisdom and experiences from those who are most unlike us that we are challenged to grow and change in ways that make us (and our ideas, and our efforts) better. But we have to be willing to listen.

You have the final say — the buck stops with you. In the end, we — as leaders, will have the final say. Our vote is ultimately the decider — whether in harmony or discord. After all things have been considered, we have to choose what we think is right. Being able to sense the leading and leaning of God’s Spirit is so important — because we don’t want it, ultimately, to be about us.

If things succeed, praise all who have been involved to bring about that success.

And if things fail, be willing to own it. Don’t point the finger of blame at others — ever. That’s not leading.

Remember, it’s about the greater good — for all. OK, all might be a stretch — so most. We need to remember that it’s not — in the end — about getting our way, but benefiting the majority of those that we serve. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the majority of people see it this way — that’s why we’re called to lead. We, hopefully, can see things that others do not. And so we point others in the direction we shall go.

But it’s got to be about the greater good, and not our own agenda.

For those who follow…

Be a team player. Those that we might differ with are not our enemy. They are our colleagues and they care about the same things we do — they just might not see the same pathway for getting there that we do. We need to remember this as we deal with unpopular decisions, or things that don’t go our way. It’s not that the decision-maker(s) are evil, or against us, they simply see a different path towards the same (hopefully) ultimate end.

Continue to let your voice be heard. We must always be willing to let our voice be heard. We offer a unique perspective and understanding — one that won’t be considered if it’s never voiced. We need to be willing to ask questions, challenge the status quo, and even to stand alone.

God is looking to use us in ways unknown. We need to be willing to speak we compelled to speak — and to be silent when compelled to be silent.

Pick and choose your battles. Every decision cannot be a battle. If it is, our voice will begin to sound like a clanging gong instead of something worth listening to. We must be wise with our words and know when it’s time to stand our ground. Battles often leave wounds — so the price must always be considered ahead of time.

Remember, it’s about the greater good — for all. Again, in the end, in needs to be about those we serve and not simply getting our own way. We have been called to serve others — and that can still happen, even if things don’t look, sound, or feel like we think they should.

How we follow is a form of leading — and will shape the kind of leader we become.

QUESTION:  What is the biggest challenge you face in leading (and following) in the midst of division?