1. Listening to the Wrong People
A leader receives a huge amount of information constantly: general input, constructive criticism, personal attacks, suggestions, etc.
But to whom do you listen?
There is a great story from 1 Kings 12:8 about Solomon’s son Rehoboam who reminds us of our need for good counsel from godly friends.
Leaders often dwell in a bubble; be careful to not let the one negative response overpower and outweigh the 10 positive ones; or to have only “yes” men around you listen to exclusively. Seek a godly balance and wise counsel. Know whom to listen to.
2. Trying to Please Everybody (Fear of Man)
Everyone has some insecurities, and leaders are not immune. When we have an overinflated desire to look good in front of people, we have fallen prey to this temptation.
Proverbs 29:25 says: The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe. The word “snare” here means to trap, as you would an animal.
Some “traps” leaders may fall into:
- Comparison with others
- Turning people into projects
- Being critical of others
- Lack of necessary confrontation
- Fear of criticism
I heard a quote recently: “Your vision has to be bigger than your ego because implementing it will cost you some ego.” Our focus needs to be on pleasing God and not man. (Gal. 1:10)
