Avoiding tasks simply because we do not enjoy them is no different than a child refusing to eat their vegetables. Just as that child needs to eat vegetables to grow to their full potential, leaders need to face their deficiencies in order to grow as a leader.
Allan Copenhaver
Comfort food. I still remember the first time I heard this term. It took me by surprise because I thought that the chief purpose of all food was comfort. If food doesn’t make us feel good, why eat it?
Obviously, we realize that food has a greater purpose than our own indulgence; we primarily need it for nourishment. Ironically enough, some of the very food that delivers the most nutritional value is actually what we crave the least. Most of us are not clamoring for seconds on broccoli, peas, or some random vegetable that we can’t properly identify.
As leaders, we tend to distinguish between our various responsibilities just as we do the food on our plates. Some tasks are more desirable than others and some we want to avoid all together. There is one school of thought that suggests we should only focus on the tasks where we excel. I understand the sentiment; we shouldn’t waste time in areas where we are unproductive. This is especially true if someone on our team is significantly more competent in that same area.
However, avoiding tasks simply because we do not enjoy them is no different than a child refusing to eat their vegetables. Just as that child needs to eat vegetables to grow to their full potential, leaders need to face their deficiencies in order to grow as a leader. Perhaps we would rather complete a task ourselves instead of training someone to do it. Maybe we avoid holding others accountable because we’re afraid of the fallout. The longer we avoid the elephant in the room, the easier it is to pretend it’s not an actual problem.
Most of us have job related chores that propel us forward. These tasks motivate us and keep us excited about our jobs. These are the literal items on our plate that bring us to the table to begin with. Likewise, most of us also have job related chores that we would rather avoid. But ignoring unpleasant tasks is no different than the child who avoids eating their vegetables. While we will likely never reach a point where we truly desire the most challenging aspects of our role, we do need to come to a place as leaders where we embrace the less desirable aspects of our position.
I have to confess that I have learned to like steamed broccoli. I actually prefer it over many other vegetables. In a similar manner, my leadership philosophy has evolved too. Instead of just focusing on the aspects of my role that I enjoy, I have learned to address issues that I would otherwise avoid. That’s because competent leaders learn to eat everything on their plate.
Allan is Pastor of The Baptist Temple in Fairmont and directs Palmer Theological Seminary’s West Virginia Program. He holds a D.Min. (Doctor of Ministry) degree from Palmer Seminary. He is certified in Church Revitalization from Church Answers and is a certified John Maxwell Team member. He has taught numerous courses for Palmer Seminary including Poverty in an Appalachian Context and Church Renewal & Evangelism. Allan enjoys equipping churches in the areas of renewal and community ministry. A native of southern West Virginia, Allan understands the complexities and opportunities of ministering in Appalachia. He is married to his college sweetheart Rose and they have three children.
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