At the end of 2020, I found myself sitting in an office, talking with a pastor about leadership. I clearly remember him saying, "Leadership is lonely." Every ounce of my young, optimistic spirit denied it. I wanted to prove him wrong. But funny enough, I soon realized he was right.
This time last year, I was driving home from Cleveland, Georgia, crying out to God in anger, confusion, and sadness. I was lonely. The words abundance and acceleration poured out of my mouth as I asked God to show up. I longed for community and work that was bigger than myself; a way to make a difference.
Nearly 365 days later, I can proudly say He has. Two months after my desperate prayer, my income doubled. Two months after that, I was invited to create content for a ministry. Soon enough my friend group grew, as well as my business connections, and I've been a part of projects that I used to just dream about.
So, yes, the pastor was right. However, if I were to revise his statement, I would say leadership *can* be lonely. It can sneak in to meetings where team members are disconnected or late nights toiling away at projects. It may arise when you're searching for the next wave of clients or projects and digging away at any opportunity for growth.
Loneliness feeds off of disappointment and disconnection.
How do we combat it's existence? We talk about it. Maybe it's an in-the-moment text to your closest friend, or an honest conversation with a mentor, or perhaps a call with a coach who's walked in your shoes.
Don't let loneliness take a seat at the table, but make it a topic of conversation while you're there. We're human. We're not cut out to do life alone and there's validity to our feelings.
Talk about it. Pray about it. Do something about it.
What do you have to lose?