I was sending a text message to a friend about something and this person made a profound statement in the message:
“[They] can’t take what I tolerate to fulfill my purpose.”
Wow . . .
After reading that statement a couple times, I thought: what are a few of the things we tolerate in the pursuit of our vision?
Leaders put themselves out in front. At times they may not want to be in front, but are so passionate about the cause they feel compelled to speak out. This has consequences that are both positive and negative. Leaders must decide which consequences they will tolerate. Here are just a few.
No Credit
Now let me be direct here. A good leader or what Jim Collins in his book Good to Great calls a “level five” leader will not be concerned about credit. A level five leader has both great drive and humility. We are all human though and if we know we had a major hand in creating or accomplishing something part of us appreciates at least some recognition.
What is more important though? Receiving credit or the vision moving forward and/or the project’s completion. I’ve heard it said that good leaders are not worried about being right, but doing the right thing. Let me suggest that a strong leader will be unconcerned with or tolerate not receiving credit for accomplishment. This leader sees the cause as more important than his or her personal ego.
Hard Work 
For years I have said: “Anything worth having is worth working for.” Leadership expert John Maxwell states it more eloquently saying “everything worth having is uphill.” This uphill climb is hard work. In the beginning you have the vision and may feel you are doing it alone. You could have a team, but possibly feel they are not as passionate as you.
Leaders are so passionate about the calling they will tolerate any amount of hard work and sleepless nights. They may not feel like the work is hard . . . until the battles come and the criticism flies. At this point each leader must fortify their belief in the vision and continue climbing the hill determining what work they tolerate and what they shed to continue moving forward.
Frustration
Many leaders may say “it’s lonely at the top.” I will suggest the loneliness comes from at least two sources:
- Our ego centered thinking that as the leader we must know everything to the detriment of building a healthy team.
- The criticism that inevitably comes with the choices you make and feeling the weight of carrying those decisions.
This can be alleviated though. Criticism will come and we determine how much we tolerate. On the other hand, if we build a strong team of people with various perspectives, they can help alleviate the burden and provide a healthier perspective.
These are only a few areas a leader tolerates. What do you feel you have to tolerate as a leader? Share below. Do you need to grow the team of advisors in your life or the leaders around you so together you can continue moving toward the vision? If so, schedule a discovery conversation to determine any way I can serve you or your team to keep your vision moving forward. Lead Well.
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