13 Rights Successful Leaders Must Give Up

“I try to leave out the parts that people skip.” – Elmore Leonard on why his crime novels are so successful.

Much like the acclaimed Leonard’s approach to writing, successful leadership often results from things leaders choose not to do.  Things they choose to skip.  Things they choose to simply give up and leave out of their lives.  A “Stop Doing List” is a practice of every successful leader as is a “Not Doing List.”

The following is a list of rights that successful leaders choose to skip or give up:

1. Successful leaders give up the right to always be right.  Maintaining relationships is more important.  You do not need to win every argument.
2. Successful leaders give up the right to do it alone.  It is hard but they must build a team.
3. Successful leaders give up the right to constantly be angry.  They must maintain self-control.
4. Successful leaders give up the right to stop learning.  They must embrace personal growth.
5. Successful leaders give up the right many times to their opinion.  The impact of our words is too great.
6. Successful leaders give up the right many times to comfort.  They must work harder and longer than those they serve.
7. Successful leaders give up the right to live in the “gray area.”  They must be above reproach in financial matters and with the opposite sex among others.
8. Successful leaders give up the right to “wing it.”  They must always be prepared.
9. Successful leaders give up the right to be arrogant.  A humble spirit increases your influence and is an attractive quality to those who wish to follow you.
10. Successful leaders give up the right to constantly have the platform and spotlight.  They must constantly promote the efforts of others and build organizations that will last beyond their leadership.
11. Successful leaders give up the right to some privacy.  Your life becomes increasingly scrutinized.
12. Successful leaders give up the right to have many options.  There are fewer places you can go and things you can do.  Ask any pastor who just wants a quiet meal at restaurant with his wife and children.
13. Successful leaders give up the right to many times controlling the agenda.  You must build consensus.

Pastors and leaders, do any of these sacrifices resonate with you?  What other things have you had to give up to be a successful leader?

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