The Hidden Cost of Leadership: Why Great Responsibility Requires Great Sacrifice

The Hidden Cost of Leadership: Why Great Responsibility Requires Great Sacrifice

 

With great leadership responsibilities come great sacrifices

by Ms. Eugene (2016)

“With great power comes great responsibility...” Uncle Ben told Peter Parker in the Spider-Man Movie. For the longest time, I have been using this quotation when sharing leadership related concepts to friends and colleagues. People associate power (aside, of course from influence, and leverage) to any leadership position. And these perks may entice those assuming the position to get so overwhelmed and to lose control in “making things happen”. Dishearteningly, consequences may range from unproductive trivial situation to a full devastation of the organization’s structure... because the person entrusted with the privilege to hold the position overlooked the responsibilities the position entails and ethically requires. However, with proper understanding of what the position demands from a leader, the most desirable level and quality of performance can be expected.

After listening to Dr. Dory Poa’s (Chiang Kai Shek College CSKC President’s) message during the induction of the Newly Elected Officers of the Alumni Association, I just thought that the famous quotation --- “With great power comes great responsibility...” would aptly be followed by the quotation she shared --- 

孟子曰：「天將降大任於斯人也，必先苦其心志，勞其筋骨，餓其體膚，空乏其身，行拂亂其所為，所以動心忍性，增益其所不能。」

"When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a person , it always first frustrates his spirit and will, exhausts his muscles and bones, exposes him to starvation and poverty, harasses him by troubles and setbacks so as to stimulate his mind, toughen his nature and enhance his abilities. ", said Mencius.

“Sa tuwing nag-aatang ang Kalangitan ng marangal na tungkulin sa isang tao, sinusubok muna Nito ang kanyang espiritu at kalooban, uubusin ang lakas ng kanyang mga kalamnan at buto, ilalantad sa matinding kagutuman at lubos na kahirapan, bibigyan ng mga kaligaligan at mga hadlang upang pasiglahin ang kanyang isip, patatagin ang kanyang pagkatao at paunlarin ang kanyang mga kakayahan." (Mencius)

People assuming these great responsibilities would definitely experience hardships and a lot of sacrifices. They experience things which are way beyond their comfort zones, exhaust their resources in providing for other people, and they prioritize other people’s needs before their own. They sometimes commit unintentional errors and unpopular decisions to protect and serve the common good, which sometimes put doubts on their credibility. So, why should one accept or assume a leadership role? Would the benefits outweigh the sacrifices made? How can one be convinced that assuming additional leadership roles can bring something better? Do these really make sense? Yes, I think so. With the words of Philosopher Mencius, I was also reminded of the experiences of Apostle Paul, when he identified several instances of suffering as he leads the Church. 

“23 .... I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, 26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches.” (2 Corinthians 11:23-28), 

Fully aware of the responsibilities of leading the people, Apostle Paul experienced physical suffering, hunger and thirst, danger and criticisms from internal and external sources. His ability to empathize with the brethren made him more vulnerable to pain and pressure in leading the Church. Indeed, the price of being an effective leader... a servant leader... a leader who shows compassion, understanding, gentleness, generosity, and patience, coupled with humility, in the spirit of service. While great leadership responsibilities entail great sacrifices, I am convinced that the leader’s sincerest performance of his/her duties will contribute to the development of his/her virtues of INTEGRITY, WISDOM, JUSTICE and CHARITY, among others, which are imperative in one’s quest for happiness (..“to live one’s life to its fullest”).

Indeed, accepting a leadership position with its innate power and responsibilities would make one a better person and eventually the BEST he/she can be, as long as he/she is mentally, physically, emotionally, economically and morally prepared to experience pain, hardship and sacrifice.

Carpe diem!