“A tough truth about leading – and one that doesn’t get talked about enough – is that sometimes you hurt others and sometimes you get hurt.” –A Leader’s Legacy, Kouznes and Posner

I am a people pleaser. Yup. It’s in my genes and DNA. I want everyone to be happy. I strive to make that happen. However, I’m learning a very real truth these days as I grow in my leadership in ministry.

Hurting others and getting hurt by others are part of the leaders reality… even in ministry.

It doesn’t help that we never talk about this reality in ministry, as the above quote suggests. Well, it’s time to talk about it.

Over the next several weeks (on Tuesday’s), I’m going to spend some time talking about how you and I hurt and get hurt in our leadership positions. Some of the topics we’re going to face on hurting others are:

• Making decisions that not everyone likes
• Firing volunteers
• Being tough on your team’s performance and expecting results (both employees and volunteers)

On the topic of being hurt by others, I’ll be addressing situations such as:

• Lack of commitment and follow through by one of your team members
• When your team or people in the church talk badly about you to others
• When good leaders leave your ministry or church

This will be a fascinating series of blog articles that will help both you and I come to an understanding of how pain is a part of what we do as leaders in ministry. I look forward to your input, feedback, and ideas.

Question: When have you hurt others in your leadership? When have you been hurt by others?