And the officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, and I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, and the rest who were to do the work. (Nehemiah 2:16, ESV)
It is said that it is lonely at the top. Nehemiah describes how he was alone as he inspected the walls of Jerusalem. He had not yet told anyone what he was doing or where he was going. Nehemiah alone knew the plan going forward. I am sure Nehemiah experienced loneliness.
The role of a leader can be a lonely role. You carry thoughts, emotions, burdens, and insights that you are not always able to share. There may be times when your passion and commitment exceeds that of those you lead. This can create a sense of isolation.
The Apostle Paul tells us that anyone who aspires to the office of overseer desires a noble task. Paul understood the isolation that is sometimes felt being a leader. I believe that a big part of the reason he describes it as a noble task was because of the isolation that he experienced.
If you have a leadership role, here are a few thoughts on overcoming your isolation.
Connect with God
Make weekly worship and daily devotions a priority. It is one thing to be disconnected from people. It is another thing to be disconnected with God. Prioritize daily encounters with him. Let God speak into your life to overcome your isolation. Let him remind you that he is always present with you.
Connect with Family
After our relationship with God, this is the most important relationship we have in life. Prioritize your time with spouse and with children. Let your home be your sanctuary. Cherish the time you have together with your family. Whatever leadership role you might have, it is not as important as family.
Connect with Peers
If you are a leader, connect with other leaders. Especially look to leaders who may have a similar role as yours. Create a peer group that will provide you the opportunity to share your joys as well as your frustration. Such a peer group may also help you as you formulate your vision.
God never intends for us to go alone. If we are open to letting others in, there is always someone who is willing to walk beside us. More often than not, our isolation is the result of our unwillingness to step out of our comfort zone. Instead of waiting for others to reach out to us, take the opportunity to reach out to others.
Reflection
- Have you experienced loneliness in a leadership role?
- How do you overcome the loneliness of being a leader?
Prayer
Lord, sometimes I feel frustrated, isolated, and lonely. I feel as if I have no one that I can share my joys and my burdens. But I realize that my isolation is the result of my own self-doing. Assure me of your presence. Give me the courage to reach out to others and to overcome my comfort zones to embrace others whom you have called me to embrace. Amen.
Steve Roth says
Thank you. Your application of the Word is refreshing.