Great thoughts Eric!

There is a definite opportunity to evaluate our leadership tendencies, and surround ourselves with people who compliment us. It takes humility, and even vulnerability, to allow someone else to speak into what we think we know already.

It wouldn’t be a stretch, in my opinion, to look at this from a 3 Question perspective:
1) What needs to be done? Leadership requires structure and creativity.
2) What can I do? I’m really good at __________.
3) Who can I get to help? So-and-so is good at __________, so we can do this together.

It’s like Bill Hybels says: Everyone wins when a leader gets better.

Typically, the only time I have to be creative is when there’s some sort of obstacle. Low funds, limited time, little help, or unforeseen circumstances tend to plunge me head first into creativity. It’s almost as if I’m unable to be creative unless I’m forced into it.

You’re right, though. A balance is much more effective. That’s why I prefer to have creative people on my team. They help me troubleshoot the obstacles, but more importantly they ask me the “Why?” question. Typically, I’ll have in mind that a situation has only one logical path. My creative team members help criticize (in a healthy way) my tendency to see a problem from only one angle.

Sometimes I feel like I have to be able to possess all these traits as a leader. While I want to and should grow as much as I can, there are limits to my abilities. Surrounding myself with other people who are strong where I am weak createa a greater impact.

The real issue for me is allowing people into the planning process early enough for that creativity to flourish. Also, I need to be humble enough to accept the viewpoints I cannot readily perceive.