The Leading Edge: Navigating Adversity – The Highest Level of Leadership
By: Lisa Hamm, PhD
Nestled together with the scent of weathering and age of the old church in the air, the group of 49 organizational leaders sat on the edge of their seats in the basement of one of the most iconic leadership locations with one of the greatest leadership families of the 21st century. Being mentored by John Maxwell is an experience like no other, and, for me, the pinnacle of the 3-day, themed leadership activities was the afternoon we basked in the presence and soaked in the wisdom of Coretta Scott King at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, Georgia.
The group of 49 organizational leaders listened with great expectation as we came to learn, through the eyes of one of the greatest women in history, what leadership IS. This moment planted a seed that took deep root and would be something I would need to call on desperately within a decade. I would need to know and walk out the answer to the question: What IS leadership?
As Coretta Scott King spoke and John Maxwell taught and facilitated a discussion between some of the greatest leadership minds of our day, and after visiting the nearby civil rights museum, it became clear to me not just what leadership is but what it is at the highest level.
One segment of the civil rights museum held me captive. It was a scene of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., sitting at a table writing a letter expressing his doubt and fear. In that instant, I was there with him. Dr. King revealed his exacerbating terror. In this private moment, it seemed he had lost all hope. And, this is the point, we learn what the highest level of leadership IS: Navigating adversity.
Adversity in life comes in many forms. One thing, though, is for certain; adversity touches all of us. And, for those in leadership, the greater the call and mission, the greater the opposition.
Dr. King was clear on his mission. He had seen the divine vision, and he led with his voice and by his example. As it says in Isaiah 50:4, “The Lord has given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary…” and this IS leadership. It’s leadership at the highest level: Navigating adversity for the benefit of others.
Dr. Lisa Hamm is an Executive Director of the John Maxwell Team. Her mission- Story changer! Dr. Lisa is an author, speaker, trainer and coach with a passion for helping people achieve their dreams, grow in their craft and come out of adversity not smelling of smoke. You can learn more about her at http://educatorscircle.com/about/.