Leadership Wisdom from Robertson McQuilkin

Robertson used to joke with me about my passionate interest in leadership.  We talked for hours about many leadership subjects.  Here is one jewel!

EFFECTIVE LEADERS SEEK SOLUTIONS AND NOT VICTORIES.

Robertson told stories to illustrate his axiom from his days of being president of CIU.  Let me paraphrase what he shared.  “I wanted the faculty and staff to be engaged and asking good hard questions.  I wanted them to research what our position should be on various issues and I designed meetings and created task forces to open doors for their participation.  

But there is a downside to all of this investment…. people can develop strong opinions and be passionate about winning for their side of an issue.  As president, I saw my role to help us get to a sound solution not get into winning my own victories.”

So — in your marriage, with family and friends and coworkers — what is your goal VICTORIES or SOLUTIONS?