“For where you have…selfish-ambition there you find [organizational] disorder…” * 

Ambition is a very important quality for a leader or manager to have. You probably would not be in the role you are in as a leader if you did not have ambition, passion, or drive about something. Ambition can lead a person toward excellence and success. The real question about ambition is who or what is the ambition for? Additionally, what kind of wake does the actions generated by one’s ambition leave behind? A leader ambitious for the mission of their organization, who channels all of their problem solving, partnership building, and decision making for the furtherance of the organization’s purpose has a chance to build a healthy, longstanding, and fruitful organization. Conversely, a leader focused on building something only for themselves, over the long haul, is much less likely to develop an organization that functions at its best. 

It is natural to have selfish interests. As humans one of our basic instincts is to look out for ourselves. To do the opposite, looking out for the interests of others, takes work. It takes an awareness of our motives and a willingness to move toward putting our self-centered thinking aside and acting in a manner that is other-centered. As I was reading this morning, a phrase from an ancient letter written to leaders jumped out at me. It stated,  “For where you have…selfish-ambition there you find [organizational] disorder…” * 

Leaders, ask yourself these questions: 
Is your ambition aimed at,
Your agency’s  mission;
Your agency’s well being;
Your agency’s culture’s health and strength;
Your employee’s learning and growth;
Your agency’s fiscal strength and well being;
Your customer’s, client’s, or patient’s best care, treatment, and results?

If as leaders, we want to help the organization or agency we are part of to thrive we must be aware of what is motivating our decisions. Often this is not easy to figure out. It takes contemplation and feedback from others. We need to develop a practice of self-reflection, allowing others to speak into our life, and vulnerability. If we do this day-by-day we can begin to recognize when our selfish-ambition gets in the way of leadership that lifts up our coworkers, partners, clients, customers, or patients. 

* The Apostle James’ letter  “…to the Twelve Tribes Scattered Among the Nations” Chapter 3 verse 16.