Leaders Are Scared Of Being The Best

Posted by Scott Williams
4 Comments
February 18, 2010
Leaders | Leadership | Next-Level Leader

teamYou will often hear leaders, coaches, teams, organizations etc. talk about their desire to be the best.  They will write it on the white board, recite quotes and even have the phraseology about being the best in their mission statements.  These things are all fine and dandy; however many times leaders are scared of being the best.

The term best is an illusive term; however it’s defined as– being of the highest quality, excellence, the best work, desirable etc. With that definition in mind, a leader should want the best and embrace the fact that they’re responsible for creating a culture that allows people to be the best.  That’s a scary thought; a leader is responsible for creating a culture where their team can be the best.  In other words, if a leader wants to be the best it’s important that they maximize the talents of those around them.  A team can’t be the best with just a great coach, they must have great team members and great role players.

Ensuring that others are the best can be difficult for some leaders, because it makes them have to look in the mirror and say “It’s not about me.”  Being the best is difficult for some leaders, because they may have to embrace the fact that their subordinates are better than they are in areas.  Some leaders are scared of being the best, because when you are the best, you attract the best people and the best people can be more difficult to lead.

Leaders Are Scared Of Being The Best, for the simple fact that it’s much easier to be average or good!

Are leaders scared of being the best?  If so, Why?  Share your thoughts!

  • http://www.daveursillo.com Dave

    Good post, Scott, and thought-provoking for sure.

    I believe that our subconscious, societal perceptions of “leadership” are such that people are becoming less inclined to want to be leaders at all, and mostly because of how disenfranchised Americans are becoming with modern elected leaders — a nonpartisan problem, spanning both parties.

    Dave

  • http://jeffstockdale.com JJStockdale

    Right on Bro! I needed that this morning! I great reminder for me as we launch a new ministry this weekend! I am thankful that my creative team are the best! Appreciate your prayers and writings!

  • http://www.theshepherdstaff.org David Higginbotham

    Where did this idea of being the best originate and can one establish who or what is the “Best” with out comparrison to others? If not…the whole idea seems to conflict with Paul’s teaching in 2 Cor. 10 about not comparing ourselves with others. There will always be someone “better” than me in any particular area and someone I’m “better” than. That whole thing is a waste of time.

    If However being the “Best” is about me growing in effectiveness in the sphere God has given me…I’m there.

    The whole concept of being “The Best” seems more rooted in pride and selfish ambition than in any New Testament concept I can think of. Of course, I could be wrong…so, someone please set me straight. :>)

  • http://bondchristian.com/ bondChristian

    @ David:

    In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul talks about it. Paul doesn’t run aimlessly and doesn’t fight as one who beats the air but fights to win the prize.

    Still, I hear what you’re saying. More often than not, greatness is desired because of pride, not to glorify God.

    One way I like to look at greatness is through what Jesus shared. Jesus didn’t rebuke the disciples for desiring to be the greatest – He taught them how: become the least, the last, the servant of all.

    -Marshall Jones Jr.

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