Leadership Saboteurs (1 of 4): Originality & Carbon Copying
The tricky thing about saboteurs: they are trained to go under the radar. That’s why they are so effective; they do their work undetected. Usually you don’t notice the work of a saboteur until things have blown up in your face, and the damage has been done. In the wreckage, you notice the blind spot that a crafty saboteur has slipped in through.
Leaders, pastors, team members - all are targets for saboteurs. And you don’t have to lead long before you realize: many saboteurs are found in the mirror. So for leaders to grow and expand their level of influence, pride has got go. This challenge continually presents itself in a myriad of contexts: Equipping others, delegating, accepting new ideas and directions.
The Deadly Duo: Originality & Carbon Copying
These first saboteurs come to us as a duo. Originality and Carbon Copying are like a combination 1-2 punch - if the first doesn’t get you, the other one will!
Saboteur #1: Carbon Copy Leadership
We want to look hip, in the know, current. Unfortunately, this can often lead to molding ourselves after another leader. It’s easier than ever, too: I can download their DNA via podcast, worship at their blog and even stalk them on Twitter!
But just like David couldn’t wear King Saul’s armor, I can’t fit into the mold of another leader. My situation is different. I have my own giants to face. There are scores of leaders, running from seminar to seminar, putting on other leaders’ armor. Don’t be afraid to learn from others, but know the danger of carbon copying another leaders. We end up entrenched in trends, unable to think for ourselves.
“Original” Leadership
Now, don’t get me wrong; I love original ideas. Cookie cutter solutions have done their fair share of destroying what could have been a breath of fresh air in organizations. Many leaders have tried to carbon copy something they have seen, only to find frustration in their unique setting.
But when the pride of being original gets in the way of learning from others, we’re in trouble. Why do we fight so hard to appear original and creative? Why have we accepted the lie that learning and drawing from others is a sign of leadership weakness?
When we draw from many leaders, we are able to gain perspective on how they addressed issues, resolved conflicts, and discovered creative solutions. These things do not stifle our own originality; in fact, they spur it on. Case in point: Every time I watch a Pixar movie, I come away challenged to be more creative and original, drawing from the fresh ways Pixar looks at the world (via Wall-E’s eyes, Lightning McQueen’s tires, etc).
Learning how others do things helps you become better. It doesn’t mean that originality has to die – in fact, the more you learn to listen to other voices, the better you might be able to recognize your own.
The Tension Of Wisdom
In order to not be taken out by either saboteur, I have to lead with wisdom. Wisdom teaches me to read other people’s books, to listen to great leaders, and to stay passionate about growing. Wisdom also guards me from trying to find my identity in others. I’m free to learn, to draw in, and to simultaneously let God make me who I need to be.
And that’s hard to sabotage.
I thank you for giving me the heads up. I struggle with sabotage within my own pre and misconceptions of what worthiness looks and feels like daily. I understand that my imperfection is understood by Gods grace, but not always tolerated by his people. Especially the ones that believe thay are closest to Him. I would’ve been that tax collector or that prostitute with a shamed but forgiven heart trying to touch a piece of Jesus garments. I’m okay with that understanding and stand proud of how far that means i’ve come. Maybe the sabetour for me is the one that slips into the place between grace and disappointment. It’s amazing how small that gap can be, depending on who witnesses it. Much love to you brother.
Comment by Chris Stovall — April 15, 2009 @ 8:26 pm
Chris, thanks for your openness. I really relate to your response; you know where we came from! I found that gratitude for what Christ has done guards me from that grace/disappointment gap. Stay grateful, bro. Good to reconnect.
Comment by Sean — April 16, 2009 @ 9:15 am
Sean. This article is amazing. so well written and concise. You’re a great writer. I’m glad to have you as a friend.
Comment by Ryan McCullough — April 16, 2009 @ 10:20 am
Great insight to recognize the tensions and see wisdom as the right arbiter!
Comment by Craig Mathison — April 16, 2009 @ 12:19 pm
Nice work Sean. It is hard to be in the glaring spotlight of God’s presence. People so often criticize without even knowing it, or fail to realize how uncautious words can get inside. Sometimes we just run into folks who are hardened from life in the world and everything they say and do cuts, until God gets the knife out of their proverbial hands. It never helps when our own foibles are the saboteurs. That has happened to me more times than I care to remember and in ways that many who know me remember all too well.
It is great to know that we were fashioned by Him and fitted for works that He determined for us to do. We come into these works by reckless abandon to the will of God in Christ Jesus. There is no shame in learning, the wise learn from others. Sometimes though the plunge we are asked to take is not something others can advise on. Finding the right balance between following and blazing a trail can be difficult. There is always the issue of whose opinion about us matters more, God’s opinion or that of man. Especially in times like these when the paradigm seems to be shifting so quickly I find comfort in knowing that the real Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is the Paradigm.
You are a great encouragement to me.
Phileo.
Comment by Larry — April 16, 2009 @ 10:16 pm