When I served as bishop of a transient ward, I had the privilege of working with many Relief Society presidents.
Each one brought a heart full of love and excitement to their new role, eager to make a difference. However, the demands of our inner-city ward quickly piled up, and within 3-4 months, many found themselves overwhelmed.
I vividly remember several Relief Society presidents sitting in my office during one-on-one meetings, tears streaming down their faces.
They spoke of the endless phone calls, texts, and service requests that felt insurmountable.
Despite their best efforts, the lack of gratitude from those they served often stung the most, turning what should have been a fulfilling experience into a source of resentment.
Reflecting on these experiences, I wonder how you’re feeling about your leadership role.
Whether you’re juggling a busy service calling or managing a room full of energetic children in Primary, feelings of resentment can creep in and become a “relationship cancer” to those you lead.
It’s impossible to be your best self when resentment is lurking in the background.
Resentment is a natural emotion we all experience at times.
It’s a signal that something is off, that perhaps repentance and relationship mending are needed.
So, how do we address it?
It might involve having tough conversations, seeking support from fellow leaders, admitting we don’t have the whole story, and making an effort to serve those we resent even more.
Now, I’d love to hear from you.
How have you overcome feelings of resentment in your leadership journey?
What strategies have helped you climb out of a leadership slump?
Your experiences and insights could be invaluable to others facing similar challenges.
Let’s support each other in this journey of improvement and innovation.
See what others said about resentment in callings HERE.
Sincerely,
Kurt Francom
Executive Director
Leading Saints
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