As we embark on the journey of developing into effective leaders, there is one force of resistance we must address.

It should be the first thing we confront on any leadership journey, yet most of us pretend it doesn’t affect us.

I’m referring to personal ego.

Simply put, we worry about what others think of us and how we lead.

Following the status quo protects our ego and creates less risk of failure.

Consequently, we check off the handbook boxes, following “the program” as closely as possible.

We follow the plan our superiors put in place without pushing back.

We offer the status quo to those we lead because, at the very least, we won’t look foolish.

However, we can’t ignore that there might be a stronger revelation inside us to try something dynamic—something we know will shake up our organizations and inspire others to move in a new direction, potentially stimulating positive cultural change.

This is the power of ego.

It traps us.

More importantly, it traps our priesthood keys or authority given to us by divine power.

We can never effectively lead until we intentionally address our personal ego and set it aside.

This is where leadership becomes challenging.

It takes confidence to have difficult conversations with your leader who wants you to follow in the footsteps of your predecessors.

It takes boldness to speak up in a council meeting for the sake of deeper revelation.

It takes practice to articulate your vision among those you lead and invite them to embrace it.

We too often protect our ego by convincing ourselves that leadership is simply a game of obedience to the status quo or direction of other leaders.

It feels safest to be the leader who does what you think your superior wants.

We never rock the boat, and the ego loves that.

“Look unto me [not your ego] in every thought; doubt not, fear not.” (Doctrine & Covenants 6:36)

Let me be clear: this isn’t a message encouraging rebellion or constant contrarianism.

It’s quite the opposite.

Your ego wants you to rebel against what you know you should do as a leader.

If that results in conflict with your leader, so be it.

If it leads to you looking silly among those you lead, so be it.

If you’re not a good fit for the status quo and they prefer to release you, so be it.

So, ask yourself: Where has your ego gotten in the way of your leadership?

Sincerely,

Kurt Francom
Executive Director
Leading Saints

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