Henri Nouwen, a Catholic Priest and insightful contemplative author talks about the Five Lies of Identity: 1) I am what I have. 2) I am what I do. 3) I am what other people say or think of me. 4) I am nothing more than my worst moment. 5) I am nothing less than my best moment.

I have to confess. As an organizational leader I have struggled with each one of the lies listed by Nouwen. I compare myself or the agency I work for to others and come up short.  I take my professional self too seriously and forget who I really am. I often focus too much on making sure people like me. I often give too much credibility to my failures and not enough credit to the gifts and talents God has given me.

There is a lot of pressure in being a leader. But greater than the pressure is the gift of being able to support, encourage, and serve others through that role. The truth about myself as a leader is that in my job I  have ups and downs, wins and losses, good days and bad days.  The value I have is given to me by my the Creator. It is not found in my position at work or most recent success.  My job is to be a faithful steward for the agency and people I serve. It is to  speak the truth in love, to help others be their best ,  and guide the organization I lead through the many challenges and toward the many opportunities it has in order to accomplish its mission. What a privilege.