Embracing the Unconventional in Leadership
I strive to be more consistent with reading things that bring value to my life. It is often easier to get lost in scrolling through social media, reading about culture, or looking for entertainment. Earlier this week, I picked up a devotional collection titled, “The Valley of Vision”. The opening devotion got me thinking and caused me to slow down, re-read, and start thinking more deeply about my role as a leader at work and home. We often think of leadership in traditional terms: strength, authority, and unwavering confidence. But what if some of the tools for the most effective leadership lie in embracing concepts that seem contradictory on the surface? Read this stanza. It speaks to this very idea, offering profound insights into the true nature of leadership…and perhaps life in general:
"Let me learn by paradox
that the way down is the way up,
that to be low is to be high,
that the broken heart is the healed heart,
that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit,
that the repenting soul is the victorious soul,
that to have nothing is to possess all,
that to bear the cross is to wear the crown,
that to give is to receive,
that the valley is the place of vision."
This passage challenges our normal thoughts and understanding. It invites us to explore the power of paradox in leadership. Perhaps this blog post can effectively unpack some of these concepts:
The Way Down Is the Way Up:
For leaders, this translates to the importance of humility. True leaders understand that they don't have all the answers. They're willing to "go down," listen to their team, acknowledge their mistakes, and seek feedback. This "lowering" of oneself paradoxically elevates the leader in the eyes of their team, fostering trust and respect.
To Be Low is to Be High:
This echoes the idea of servant leadership. The most effective leaders prioritize the needs of their team members. They empower others, provide support, and create an environment where everyone can thrive. By having some level of focus on serving others ("being low"), leaders may just achieve greater influence and impact ("being high").
The Broken Heart is the Healed Heart:
Leadership can often be filled with challenges. We often face setbacks, disappointments, and difficult decisions. A "broken heart" can represent the empathy and vulnerability that impactful leaders should possess. Leaders who allow themselves to feel and acknowledge these challenges are better equipped to connect with their team, build resilience, and ultimately find healing and growth.
The Contrite Spirit is the Rejoicing Spirit:
As leaders, when we can acknowledge our mistakes, take responsibility for our actions, and seek to learn and improve ("contrite spirit"), we are the ones who ultimately create a culture of growth and success ("rejoicing spirit").
That to Have Nothing is to Possess All:
This paradox speaks to the importance of detachment in leadership. As leaders, when we are overly focused on personal gain or power, we hinder our effectiveness. True leaders understand that our role is to serve a greater purpose. By "having nothing" in the sense of ego and self-interest, we can focus on the success of the team and the organization, which ultimately leads to greater fulfillment and a sense of "possessing all" that truly matters.
That to Bear the Cross is to Wear the Crown:
Effective leading often involves sacrifices, challenges, and difficult decisions – bearing the cross. When we lead to embrace these challenges, persevere through adversity, and remain committed to the vision, we can be the ones who lead our teams to achieve true success – wear the crown.
That to Give is to Receive:
The concept of giving is central to effective leadership. As leaders, when we give our time, energy, knowledge, and support to the team members, we have the opportunity to foster a culture of reciprocity and loyalty. By giving, leaders receive increased commitment, productivity, and discretionary effort from our team.
The Valley is the Place of Vision:
Valleys often represent challenging times or periods of difficulty. However, it is during these times that we often gain the clearest vision. It is in the valleys of our experiences where we are forced to learn, adapt, and grow. These challenging times provide the perspective and clarity needed to develop a strong vision for the future.
This stanza offers a powerful framework for understanding leadership…and life. By embracing these paradoxes, we can cultivate humility, empathy, resilience, and a focus on service, ultimately leading to greater effectiveness and lasting impact.