“If I were the boss, I’d . . .”

“I’d be a lot more ______ if I were in charge.”

“I don’t see what the big deal is. They’re just too . . .”

Ever said or heard any of those comments?

For many years, when I wasn’t the one ultimately responsible, I was convinced that I knew exactly what I would do if I were in charge.

When I wasn’t leading, I found leadership much easier and simpler than those who were.

Leading isn’t difficult because leaders are incompetent. Leading requires making unpopular decisions. Leading is doing what must be done even when others disagree.

It’s easy to criticize and condemn the actions, inactions, and decisions of those in charge.

It’s not easy carrying the weight of those decisions—and the consequences of decisions made by the people you lead.

Most of us believe we would do better given the opportunity. That’s human nature.

Experienced leaders know what it’s really like.

Leading is often messy.

It’s sometimes overwhelming.

It can be unbearably painful.

The longer I lead, the more patience and forgiveness I try to extend to others.

True leadership recognizes that no one is perfect and that everyone carries struggles.

Offering more grace, seeking greater understanding, and helping carry one another’s burdens instead of adding to them are signs of a growing leader.