The Crucibles of Leadership - Part 4

The final form of crucible is what Thomas calls a “suspension.”

These involve a hiatus that is often unanticipated and may have been forced. This is an extended period during which a familiar set of behaviors and routines is replaced by a new structure.

Suspension periods are characterized by a set of tensions between realities: the comfortable, known, and immediate past is removed and replaced with the discomfort of an unknown and indeterminate future. These tensions are not problems to be solved. Rather, they are realities to be lived with - and learned from.

Because leaders have a bias for action, this particular form of crucible is perhaps the most difficult to endure. It's hard to sit on the sideline and not be part of the action. This tension may result in trying to force situations and create opportunities that are not the best fit for the leader. But we rationalize this by thinking that any action is better than no action at all.

Suspensions provide an opportunity for the leader to engage in an extended period of contemplative reflection that results in clarification of their personal mission. This may also result in a solidification of the leader’s personal beliefs and values.

In the midst of suspension, we need to follow the advice of the Psalmist (46:10):

“Cease striving [Be Still] and know that I am God."

That is so difficult; yet it is necessary.

The Crucibles of Leadership - Part 3

The second form of crucible identified by Thomas is a “reversal.”

Reversals involve loss, impairment, defeat, or a significant failure.

The essence of a reversal is the realization that something once believed to be permanent is only transient, or something believed to be true is found to be false.

These experiences teach a potential leader to see his or situation in new and more comprehensive way.

When we move past the immdeiate pain of a reversal, we can then begin to see the lessons to be learned - the gold to be extracted. Unfortunately, many lessons can only be learned through reversals.

But is important to realize that these reversals are events - and these too shall pass. Learn the lesson, reload, and move on.

Don't linger too long over the reversals. For that matter, don't linger too long over successes either. Use the evnt as a teachable moment, learn the lesson, get up, and get back in the game - with new insight and the wisdom that only comes from setbacks.