As leaders, oh, how easy it is to think we do this on our own. I raised $100,000. I created an amazing strategic plan. I recruited the rock star board. I solidified that partnership. Me. Me. Me. I. I. I. Me, myself, and I are not the Holy Trinity. Me, myself, and I are not a collaborative effort. Me, myself, and I are not sustainable.
As a former Executive Director, I found it easy to get into 2 very different versions of me, myself, and I. The first version is that mentioned above – a space or place in my head where I think I can do everything on my own. It may come out of competency, but it also comes from pride. It is a struggle that I continue to have. It never leads to anything good. The second version is similar but different. It is a place where I think I have to do this on my own because I am alone. When I think I have to do this on my own because I am alone, it can be overwhelming. It can be lonely. It can feel like the overarching to do list never ends, and every single day nothing is accomplished. Me, myself, and I are not the Holy Trinity. Me, myself, and I are not a collaborative effort. Me, myself, and I are not sustainable.
Me, Myself, and I are not rootED when this thinking occurs.
In my faith tradition, there is a fascinating little section of a verse in Mark 6 where it states, “Calling the 12 to him, he began to send them out two by two.” This verse was originally pointed out to me in Henri Nouwen’s Reflections on Christian Leadership. Nouwen writes, “We cannot bring good news on our own. We are called to proclaim [INSERT YOUR MISSION] together in community (Pg. 58). This concept of 2 by 2: takes care of leadership loneliness, leadership pride, and never-ending to do lists; invites people into collaboration; and reminds us that we are not the Holy Trinity. The concept of 2 by 2 must be intentional, must change the way we tell our stories, and must affect how we do leadership and life.
Every time I try me, myself, and I, I find myself in an unhealthy space. Every time I invite people in, there is this remarkable thing that happens. I am rewarded with community, mutual shared experience, and a different perspective on the work that is happening. 2 by 2 combats me, myself, and I thinking. 2 by 2 provides encouragement to all involved. 2 by 2 encourages vulnerability that is so desperately needed.
Try 2 by 2 this season. And, if you are a person of faith like me, remember the third person with you…always there, helping you with the loneliness, pride, and need for control who came as a baby, fully human, helpless, and vulnerable…and that this Savior who came was a part of the mysterious Trinity too.
If you are interested in coaching/listening sessions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Let’s chat. You don’t have to do this alone.
Erin at rootED