Acceptance in Leadership

This is actually a very timely topic. I had to reflect on the topic a bit and realized that in order to grasp the subject, one has to have a bit of experience. In reality, these experiences at the time may seem negative to most, but in the end they are necessary if one wishes to grow as a Leader. I will break down Acceptance in a linear time format for the purpose of this essay. I will note however that there are underlying concepts behind the word Acceptance which can only come from experience. The primary ones being Humility and Compassion. These concepts go beyond a mere academic understanding. They must be lived.

Accepting the role

There are two ways most leaders emerge. Either you pursue a leadership role or leadership through “chance” finds you, and your leadership qualities must come to the fore. The first instance may be through a political contest, the second may emerge during a crisis. Either way, at some point, one must Accept the leadership role. In the person’s mind, they felt qualified to step forward and assume the responsibility for leading others to a goal. This level of acceptance however is merely the first step. You now have “The Tiger by the Tail”. What you do next is all telling.

Accepting your team

The next step inevitably involves teamwork. Some leaders such as in the military have rank to rely on. Most of us don’t. We have to build and mold a team using little formal authority. This next step involves Accepting the capabilities of those around you. Everyone is not a star in every role they find themselves in. People and teams need to be trained, coached and developed if one is to achieve shared goals. If your expectations as a leader are not in line with the capabilities of those you lead, nothing can be achieved. This is part of the training ground for Compassion. In Tae Kwon Do, we are told that we receive Tips based on the Master’s assessment that we have done our best given our unique capabilities. This is an example of compassion in that everyone’s contributions on the team are valued.

Accepting your limitations

There is always a better way, a new idea, a different interpretation. Any leader who thinks they can and must have all the answers is deluding themselves. This then is the next sequence in linear time: Acceptance of one’s own limitations. This is the beginning of humility. Humility is a little understood quality. It is not showing weakness, but strength to ask someone else to help you. This act recognizes your strength as well as theirs. This is respect. This is showing humility that there may be a better way than your way. The ego steps aside and everyone including the leader has an opportunity to grow.

Accepting your “time”

Lastly in linear time, there will be a time when one realizes it is time to step aside and let the next person assume the mantle of leadership. This accepting of the time to move on and release the reigns of leadership is perhaps the most critical. This applies as equally to small teams up to the leadership of an entire nation. The ability to recognize this juncture and accept it, is perhaps the most graceful act of all. It goes beyond accomplishing the goal, which is the flower. Beyond the flower is the true fruit of experience gained seemingly in linear time, but born of the lessons learned from day one. We all will lead in something one day. Let us deign to apply the Lessons of Acceptance in whatever state of affairs we are to be found.