Culmination Paper
Leadership as a Journey
“Leadership is a journey, not a destination. It is a marathon, not a sprint. It is a process, not an outcome” (Donahoe as cited in George, 2007, p. 3). When I think of a journey, there are many things that come to mind; the excitement and anticipation that comes with something new, the decisions about what to pack - trying to anticipate what I might need, discovering things about myself I never knew, being challenged and stretched, encountering valleys and storms, enjoying the rays of sunshine that peek through dark clouds, experiencing unexpected terrain, and the exhilaration that comes when reaching the destination or summit. These don’t sound like descriptions of a typical course of academic study, and yet are exactly the phrases I would choose to describe my time in the Master of Arts in Leadership program. During these past four years, I have experienced an incredible interweaving of academic learning, spiritual growth, emotional revelation, relational testing, personal discovery, and fulfillment. I have learned more and different things about leadership than I ever anticipated. I come away from the journey equipped with things I didn’t know I needed, with valuable life lessons tucked in my pockets, and a whole new sense of who I am and why I am here. Leadership is indeed a process and I will never know all of the challenges that I will face along the way until I am on the journey. When God begins a process of change in me it is inevitable that I will not be able to map out the path, understand all the obstacles, and predict the outcomes. Sometimes I just need to take the first step and trust. “Acting on a vision that exceeds our resources is a test of our vision, faith, and integrity” (Quinn, 1996, p. 85). One of my life verses is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (New International Version). This verse has helped me stay the course throughout my journey. So why would I embark on such an adventure? To pursue that for which I was created, to discover all that I can be, and to fulfill a greater purpose beyond myself. For me, leadership is a process, a journey one goes on, to pursue God’s calling, to become something we are not yet, so we can inspire others to become something better, and do more in pursuit of a shared vision that will lead to something greater.
So What’s in Your Backpack?
I began the journey, back in the fall of 2011, with enthusiasm and great anticipation. I was entering into a new season of life and was excited about the possibilities. After focusing my time and attention on family, being a support to my husband in his work for 21 years, and more recently starting to work part-time for my church, I felt I was getting a new opportunity to stretch my wings. Even though I had some experience in leadership, I immediately discovered that I had so much to learn, I would be challenged, and my concepts of leadership were going to be shifted and altered. I was embarking on a journey that wasn’t simply a three-year academic pursuit, it would become a lifelong quest to grow, learn, and be willing to become something different. There were several assignments that began to shape my thinking and laid the groundwork for what was ahead. In LDRS 502, Cornerstones for Christian Leadership, I developed a philosophy of wholeness through a Wholeness Formation Plan. I began to understand that discovering who I am and what I was created to be ultimately leads to the most fulfilling and productive life. As Christians we are called to live lives that are holy and pleasing to God as a spiritual act of worship. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:1-2, New International Version). We are to be transformed, changed, different, and living Christ-like so we can be the agents of change in our world, acting as Christ’s representatives. Another challenge came when I read The Case for Servant Leadership by Kent Keith (2008) and did an assignment called Jesus the Servant Leader. Was I willing to embrace this type of leadership? Richard Sterns (2009), in his book Hole in Our Gospel, challenged my thinking in incredible ways and forced me to look deep inside and ask myself these questions. What has God given me? How am I using my time, talent, and treasure (Stearns, 2009)? Throughout the scriptures and Christian history we see that God took what was offered and used it. Moses had a stick, David had a slingshot, Paul had a pen, Mother Teresa possessed a love for the poor, Billy Graham had a gift for preaching, and Joni Eareckson Tada has a disability. The one thing that they had in common was simply a willingness to let God use whatever they had (Stearns, 2009). Was I willing to lay aside my expectations and ideas and let God shape and use me? Could I “let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God” (Stearns, 2009, p. 9)? This would mean that I would have to unpack what I thought I needed for this leadership journey, and allow God to show me what he wanted to do in me so he could accomplish what he had in mind to do through me.
What Are You Made Of?
The next part of this journey became about discovering who I was and how that would define my leadership. It began in LDRS 516 with Bill George’s (2007) book True North and learning what it means to be an authentic leader. By mapping out my unique life story, I was able to see how that would help me discover my passions and purpose. “Leaders are defined by their unique life stories and the way they frame their stories to discover their passions and the purpose of their leadership” (George, 2007, p. xxvii). This book guided me to create a Personal Leadership Development Plan, which became a significant marker along the way and something I will refer to often. My next class, LDRS 520 Understanding Vocation in a Changing World, became one of the most significant, defining, and clarifying times for me during the program. Because of my season in life, I was seeking clarity and direction for my personal calling and wanting to discover the ‘what’s next’ in my life. There seemed to be deluge of books, assessments and assignments that were all ‘ah-ha’ moments for me. Through David Benner’s (2004) book, The Gift of Being Yourself, I learned that the discovery of our true self, which generates vocation, is a life long pursuit. This happens through a constant wrestling, refining, listening, and surrendering that is part of the process that shapes and defines who I am and what I am called to be. The very essence of who God created me to be, as seen in my temperament, my personality, my abilities, and my interests and passions, help define my vocation. I compiled a Vocational Profile and Plan, which included personal assessments such as The Strengths Finder, The StandOut Assessment, the JPEAssessment, personal feedback, a reflective timeline, personal journaling, my definition of vocation, and a plan for professional development. This project brought life defining clarity for me. Coupled with this, William Bridges’ (2004) book Transitions:Making Sense of Life’s Changes, helped me clearly see and embrace the season of transition that I was in the midst of. This part of the journey demanded I stop and absorb what God was doing in my life, take in the fabulous scenery and breath-taking views, and breathe the fresh air. This time coincided with a very personal time of reflection, healing, and growth. I was learning to take to heart some words of wisdom from Max Lucado (2005). You can only be you. All you have to give is what you’ve been given to give. Concentrate on who you are and what you have. “Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life” (Galatians 6:4-5 The Message) (Lucado, 2005, p. 34). We need to see God’s purpose for each of us, how he created us who we are, in order to carry out what he has called us to do. “You do what you do because of who you are, and you are who you are to do what you do” (K. Mannoia, personal communication, January 2014). I was discovering the interconnection between the being and the doing.
Valleys and Storms
Any journey inevitably has some valleys and storms. Winston Churchill once said, “Mountaintops inspire leaders but valleys mature them.” In James 1:2-4, it says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (New International Version). This part of my leadership journey became a time defined by challenges, hurt, testing, and pruning. Bill George (2007) said, “Struggle and tough experiences ultimately fashion you. Don’t worry about the challenges. Embrace them. Go through them even if they hurt” (p. 21). God clearly was orchestrating his plan, because it was during this part of the journey that I read books like Tale of Three Kings (Edwards, 1992), Crucibles of Leadership (Thomas, 2008), and Leading for a Lifetime (Bennis & Thomas, 2007). These books, and the papers I wrote, helped me understand some of the purposes in these difficult times. “Every challenging experience develops your core of inner strength, which gets you through those storms. Nothing worth doing in life is going to be easy” (George, 2007, p. 8). I clung to verses like Joshua 1:9. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (New International Version). Bennis and Thomas (2007) in their book Leading for a Lifetime, develop a theory of how leaders come to be. The process as they describe it, “allows an individual to undergo testing and to emerge, not just stronger, but equipped with the tools he or she needs both to lead and to learn” (p. 4).
Sometimes in the midst of dark cloud cover and threatening storms there is a moment when a small break in the clouds allows a ray of sunshine to come bursting through. Even though I was walking through what seemed like dark days and dismal valleys, God truly provided those moments of sunshine in the form of personal encouragement from professors and friends, incredible affirmation from classmates, and SoulQuests from Kevin Mannoia that seemed to come just at the right moment. This particular time was one of significant spiritual growth and emotional awareness. I learned humility and how to maintain integrity even in the midst of trials. It challenged me, stretched me, and taught me many things about myself, and more than ever to trust God’s sovereignty.
The Cliffs
The final leg of my journey had some important lessons as I was learning to navigate and embrace the uncertainty of change. It is like traversing along the cliffs. Sometimes your footing seems unsure and it is important to keep your eyes focused and yourself in balance. Once again, God’s timing was perfect as I was taking LDRS 534, Leader as an Agent of Change. I learned that “one key to successful leadership is continuous personal change. Personal change is a reflection of our inner growth and empowerment" (Quinn). After reading Robert Quinn’s (1996) book, Deep Change: Discovering the Leader Within, and doing the Personal Change Assignment in response, I gained a deeper understanding of the process of personal and organizational change and saw the correlation between the two. Having to navigate a significant change in my personal life, these insights helped me process a transition and gave me an opportunity to see how deep change can indeed prepare and empower me to lead more effectively in the future. As I read this scripture in Habakkuk 3:19, I pictured God enabling me to traverse the cliffs with the sure-footedness of a deer. “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights” (New International Version).
Reaching the Summit and Looking Ahead
What an amazing feeling to reach the culmination of this leadership program. Like reaching the summit, there is a sense of exhilaration, accomplishment, and relief. It is incredible to look back and see how the varied parts of my life; my academic studies, understanding of leadership, spiritual walk, personal and emotional experiences, professional challenges, books I read, papers I wrote, notes I received, and conversations I had, all seemed to be interwoven together into a master plan. As I am standing at the end looking back on the journey, it is much easier to see why each part was necessary to get me to the place I am now.
As I reflect specifically on the meta-competencies outlined in the MAiL program, I can see significant growth in each realm. I have a strong personal heritage of faith and have had a deep, spiritual, Christian commitment for many years. However, on this journey, I have grown significantly in the area of spirituality and faith. I have a deeper understanding of who I am in Christ, and how that intersects with who I am as a leader. I have been challenged to look at leadership through biblical examples and to model my leadership after Jesus as a servant leadership. I have seen and experienced how the spiritual transformational process coincides with my personal leadership development and ultimately my usefulness. In the area of emotional and social intelligence, again I have seen significant growth. This academic journey has coincided with an emotional journey that has been momentous, challenging, and painful at times. I have become much more keenly aware of my emotional state and how that affects every aspect of my life and my leadership. I have learned to become more sensitive to others and what they are experiencing emotionally. Authenticity, vulnerability, integrity, and trust have become key words I would now use to describe effective leadership. This aspect of leadership is definitely an area I want to continue to grow in. I know I have much to learn, and the MAiL program as set me on the right path to continue the growth process in this competency. Since I began the program I have completely enjoyed and embraced the challenges in the area of academic inquiry. I admittedly was intimidated at first, since I had been out of academic settings for many years. However, I quickly gained confidence and have appreciated being stretched in my thinking and synthesizing of information. The holistic approach to learning and the emphasis on becoming a life-long learner is something I will always carry with me.
I know that the journey is not over and this is just the beginning of the next season. As I move forward I will be anchored by my vocational calling, which is now clearly defined. I want to become a cheerleader of development and a change agent used by God to lead, influence, challenge, and encourage people to grow and to be what God has made them to be, resulting in life change in the areas of their spiritual growth, personal development, and the discovering of their unique potential and gifts. From here I am seeking opportunities to gain some experience and utilize what I have learned. One of my favorite quotes is by Theodore Roosevelt, drawn from one of his famous speeches, Citizenship in a Republic.
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer
of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose
face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again,
because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who
knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best
knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring
greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat
(Roosevelt, 1910).
As I move forward in my leadership journey, I want to be available to God’s calling, remain true to who I am, and invest unreservedly into the lives of others so they can become all they were created to be. I always want to dare to try and be willing to learn from all my experiences, successes, and failures. I will “press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me… Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14, New International Version).
And so, my journey continues.
“Leadership is a journey, not a destination. It is a marathon, not a sprint. It is a process, not an outcome” (Donahoe as cited in George, 2007, p. 3). When I think of a journey, there are many things that come to mind; the excitement and anticipation that comes with something new, the decisions about what to pack - trying to anticipate what I might need, discovering things about myself I never knew, being challenged and stretched, encountering valleys and storms, enjoying the rays of sunshine that peek through dark clouds, experiencing unexpected terrain, and the exhilaration that comes when reaching the destination or summit. These don’t sound like descriptions of a typical course of academic study, and yet are exactly the phrases I would choose to describe my time in the Master of Arts in Leadership program. During these past four years, I have experienced an incredible interweaving of academic learning, spiritual growth, emotional revelation, relational testing, personal discovery, and fulfillment. I have learned more and different things about leadership than I ever anticipated. I come away from the journey equipped with things I didn’t know I needed, with valuable life lessons tucked in my pockets, and a whole new sense of who I am and why I am here. Leadership is indeed a process and I will never know all of the challenges that I will face along the way until I am on the journey. When God begins a process of change in me it is inevitable that I will not be able to map out the path, understand all the obstacles, and predict the outcomes. Sometimes I just need to take the first step and trust. “Acting on a vision that exceeds our resources is a test of our vision, faith, and integrity” (Quinn, 1996, p. 85). One of my life verses is Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (New International Version). This verse has helped me stay the course throughout my journey. So why would I embark on such an adventure? To pursue that for which I was created, to discover all that I can be, and to fulfill a greater purpose beyond myself. For me, leadership is a process, a journey one goes on, to pursue God’s calling, to become something we are not yet, so we can inspire others to become something better, and do more in pursuit of a shared vision that will lead to something greater.
So What’s in Your Backpack?
I began the journey, back in the fall of 2011, with enthusiasm and great anticipation. I was entering into a new season of life and was excited about the possibilities. After focusing my time and attention on family, being a support to my husband in his work for 21 years, and more recently starting to work part-time for my church, I felt I was getting a new opportunity to stretch my wings. Even though I had some experience in leadership, I immediately discovered that I had so much to learn, I would be challenged, and my concepts of leadership were going to be shifted and altered. I was embarking on a journey that wasn’t simply a three-year academic pursuit, it would become a lifelong quest to grow, learn, and be willing to become something different. There were several assignments that began to shape my thinking and laid the groundwork for what was ahead. In LDRS 502, Cornerstones for Christian Leadership, I developed a philosophy of wholeness through a Wholeness Formation Plan. I began to understand that discovering who I am and what I was created to be ultimately leads to the most fulfilling and productive life. As Christians we are called to live lives that are holy and pleasing to God as a spiritual act of worship. "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:1-2, New International Version). We are to be transformed, changed, different, and living Christ-like so we can be the agents of change in our world, acting as Christ’s representatives. Another challenge came when I read The Case for Servant Leadership by Kent Keith (2008) and did an assignment called Jesus the Servant Leader. Was I willing to embrace this type of leadership? Richard Sterns (2009), in his book Hole in Our Gospel, challenged my thinking in incredible ways and forced me to look deep inside and ask myself these questions. What has God given me? How am I using my time, talent, and treasure (Stearns, 2009)? Throughout the scriptures and Christian history we see that God took what was offered and used it. Moses had a stick, David had a slingshot, Paul had a pen, Mother Teresa possessed a love for the poor, Billy Graham had a gift for preaching, and Joni Eareckson Tada has a disability. The one thing that they had in common was simply a willingness to let God use whatever they had (Stearns, 2009). Was I willing to lay aside my expectations and ideas and let God shape and use me? Could I “let my heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God” (Stearns, 2009, p. 9)? This would mean that I would have to unpack what I thought I needed for this leadership journey, and allow God to show me what he wanted to do in me so he could accomplish what he had in mind to do through me.
What Are You Made Of?
The next part of this journey became about discovering who I was and how that would define my leadership. It began in LDRS 516 with Bill George’s (2007) book True North and learning what it means to be an authentic leader. By mapping out my unique life story, I was able to see how that would help me discover my passions and purpose. “Leaders are defined by their unique life stories and the way they frame their stories to discover their passions and the purpose of their leadership” (George, 2007, p. xxvii). This book guided me to create a Personal Leadership Development Plan, which became a significant marker along the way and something I will refer to often. My next class, LDRS 520 Understanding Vocation in a Changing World, became one of the most significant, defining, and clarifying times for me during the program. Because of my season in life, I was seeking clarity and direction for my personal calling and wanting to discover the ‘what’s next’ in my life. There seemed to be deluge of books, assessments and assignments that were all ‘ah-ha’ moments for me. Through David Benner’s (2004) book, The Gift of Being Yourself, I learned that the discovery of our true self, which generates vocation, is a life long pursuit. This happens through a constant wrestling, refining, listening, and surrendering that is part of the process that shapes and defines who I am and what I am called to be. The very essence of who God created me to be, as seen in my temperament, my personality, my abilities, and my interests and passions, help define my vocation. I compiled a Vocational Profile and Plan, which included personal assessments such as The Strengths Finder, The StandOut Assessment, the JPEAssessment, personal feedback, a reflective timeline, personal journaling, my definition of vocation, and a plan for professional development. This project brought life defining clarity for me. Coupled with this, William Bridges’ (2004) book Transitions:Making Sense of Life’s Changes, helped me clearly see and embrace the season of transition that I was in the midst of. This part of the journey demanded I stop and absorb what God was doing in my life, take in the fabulous scenery and breath-taking views, and breathe the fresh air. This time coincided with a very personal time of reflection, healing, and growth. I was learning to take to heart some words of wisdom from Max Lucado (2005). You can only be you. All you have to give is what you’ve been given to give. Concentrate on who you are and what you have. “Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life” (Galatians 6:4-5 The Message) (Lucado, 2005, p. 34). We need to see God’s purpose for each of us, how he created us who we are, in order to carry out what he has called us to do. “You do what you do because of who you are, and you are who you are to do what you do” (K. Mannoia, personal communication, January 2014). I was discovering the interconnection between the being and the doing.
Valleys and Storms
Any journey inevitably has some valleys and storms. Winston Churchill once said, “Mountaintops inspire leaders but valleys mature them.” In James 1:2-4, it says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (New International Version). This part of my leadership journey became a time defined by challenges, hurt, testing, and pruning. Bill George (2007) said, “Struggle and tough experiences ultimately fashion you. Don’t worry about the challenges. Embrace them. Go through them even if they hurt” (p. 21). God clearly was orchestrating his plan, because it was during this part of the journey that I read books like Tale of Three Kings (Edwards, 1992), Crucibles of Leadership (Thomas, 2008), and Leading for a Lifetime (Bennis & Thomas, 2007). These books, and the papers I wrote, helped me understand some of the purposes in these difficult times. “Every challenging experience develops your core of inner strength, which gets you through those storms. Nothing worth doing in life is going to be easy” (George, 2007, p. 8). I clung to verses like Joshua 1:9. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (New International Version). Bennis and Thomas (2007) in their book Leading for a Lifetime, develop a theory of how leaders come to be. The process as they describe it, “allows an individual to undergo testing and to emerge, not just stronger, but equipped with the tools he or she needs both to lead and to learn” (p. 4).
Sometimes in the midst of dark cloud cover and threatening storms there is a moment when a small break in the clouds allows a ray of sunshine to come bursting through. Even though I was walking through what seemed like dark days and dismal valleys, God truly provided those moments of sunshine in the form of personal encouragement from professors and friends, incredible affirmation from classmates, and SoulQuests from Kevin Mannoia that seemed to come just at the right moment. This particular time was one of significant spiritual growth and emotional awareness. I learned humility and how to maintain integrity even in the midst of trials. It challenged me, stretched me, and taught me many things about myself, and more than ever to trust God’s sovereignty.
The Cliffs
The final leg of my journey had some important lessons as I was learning to navigate and embrace the uncertainty of change. It is like traversing along the cliffs. Sometimes your footing seems unsure and it is important to keep your eyes focused and yourself in balance. Once again, God’s timing was perfect as I was taking LDRS 534, Leader as an Agent of Change. I learned that “one key to successful leadership is continuous personal change. Personal change is a reflection of our inner growth and empowerment" (Quinn). After reading Robert Quinn’s (1996) book, Deep Change: Discovering the Leader Within, and doing the Personal Change Assignment in response, I gained a deeper understanding of the process of personal and organizational change and saw the correlation between the two. Having to navigate a significant change in my personal life, these insights helped me process a transition and gave me an opportunity to see how deep change can indeed prepare and empower me to lead more effectively in the future. As I read this scripture in Habakkuk 3:19, I pictured God enabling me to traverse the cliffs with the sure-footedness of a deer. “The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights” (New International Version).
Reaching the Summit and Looking Ahead
What an amazing feeling to reach the culmination of this leadership program. Like reaching the summit, there is a sense of exhilaration, accomplishment, and relief. It is incredible to look back and see how the varied parts of my life; my academic studies, understanding of leadership, spiritual walk, personal and emotional experiences, professional challenges, books I read, papers I wrote, notes I received, and conversations I had, all seemed to be interwoven together into a master plan. As I am standing at the end looking back on the journey, it is much easier to see why each part was necessary to get me to the place I am now.
As I reflect specifically on the meta-competencies outlined in the MAiL program, I can see significant growth in each realm. I have a strong personal heritage of faith and have had a deep, spiritual, Christian commitment for many years. However, on this journey, I have grown significantly in the area of spirituality and faith. I have a deeper understanding of who I am in Christ, and how that intersects with who I am as a leader. I have been challenged to look at leadership through biblical examples and to model my leadership after Jesus as a servant leadership. I have seen and experienced how the spiritual transformational process coincides with my personal leadership development and ultimately my usefulness. In the area of emotional and social intelligence, again I have seen significant growth. This academic journey has coincided with an emotional journey that has been momentous, challenging, and painful at times. I have become much more keenly aware of my emotional state and how that affects every aspect of my life and my leadership. I have learned to become more sensitive to others and what they are experiencing emotionally. Authenticity, vulnerability, integrity, and trust have become key words I would now use to describe effective leadership. This aspect of leadership is definitely an area I want to continue to grow in. I know I have much to learn, and the MAiL program as set me on the right path to continue the growth process in this competency. Since I began the program I have completely enjoyed and embraced the challenges in the area of academic inquiry. I admittedly was intimidated at first, since I had been out of academic settings for many years. However, I quickly gained confidence and have appreciated being stretched in my thinking and synthesizing of information. The holistic approach to learning and the emphasis on becoming a life-long learner is something I will always carry with me.
I know that the journey is not over and this is just the beginning of the next season. As I move forward I will be anchored by my vocational calling, which is now clearly defined. I want to become a cheerleader of development and a change agent used by God to lead, influence, challenge, and encourage people to grow and to be what God has made them to be, resulting in life change in the areas of their spiritual growth, personal development, and the discovering of their unique potential and gifts. From here I am seeking opportunities to gain some experience and utilize what I have learned. One of my favorite quotes is by Theodore Roosevelt, drawn from one of his famous speeches, Citizenship in a Republic.
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer
of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose
face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, and comes short again and again,
because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who
knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best
knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring
greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat
(Roosevelt, 1910).
As I move forward in my leadership journey, I want to be available to God’s calling, remain true to who I am, and invest unreservedly into the lives of others so they can become all they were created to be. I always want to dare to try and be willing to learn from all my experiences, successes, and failures. I will “press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me… Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:12-14, New International Version).
And so, my journey continues.