The Key to Failure
Last week a Gilbert Police Officer, and childhood friend, allowed me to “ride along” during one of his shifts. Along with observing humanity’s brokenness, exhibited in drug and alcohol abuse (we had some crazy ones), I was reminded of a critical leadership principle – one cannot make everyone happy.
In the midst of responding to a 911 call I observed my friend and two other officers making a decision concerning an arrest. Since the incident was in my friend’s patrol area, the verdict rested in his hands. The other two officers had differing opinions; therefore, my friend was forced to choose an option that would not satisfy everyone. Individuals in leadership positions, whether it be parenting, coaching, teaching, pastoring, or managing, quickly recognize the impossibility of gratifying everybody’s desires and ideas. Too often we exhibit paralysis in our decision making simply because we fear our inability to please everyone. No one is in danger of this ineffective leadership more than I. I am a people-pleaser. I never want to ruffle feathers. I want every human being on this planet to like me. However, one cannot lead successfully, or efficiently, by basing their decisions on pleasing everyone.
Consequently, this principle of “not pleasing everyone” leads to another truth – Our strengths can become our weaknesses. One of my personal strengths is being likable. However, if I am not careful, striving to be a likable person in every situation becomes a disadvantage. “Decision-making paralysis” based on my unrealistic hopes of pleasing everyone will, unfortunately, deter my God-given relational strengths toward ineffective leadership.
After observing many leaders over the years I have noticed that the GREAT ones have learned to make decisions based on what they believe is RIGHT for the situation or the vision/mission of their company, organization, and/or church. Most often these decisions are at the detriment of pleasing everyone. In addition these GREAT leaders have adequately grown in their self-awareness of their personal strengths and are attentive in not allowing these strengths to deteriorate toward weaknesses.
“I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.” – Bill Cosby
Perfect timing for me to read this. This encouraged me thank you. This clearly illuminated what I am going through this week with a leadership situation. I didn’t try to please a particular person, (They are never pleased no matter what) as a result they became angry and condeming. My biggest struggle in leadership is making everyone happy. All I can do is my best and let the rest go. God is more than able to deal with the details as long as I am obedient and doing my part.
yes! thanks for your thoughts on this – i completely relate… i want to please everyone – yet, what God is calling us to do is not always pleasing. thats a hard place to find yourself in – yet its reality. thanks! keep pressing on – seeking His face