It's futile to pretend that a leader is made of iron. In the movies – an example that’s familiar to most of us – individuals who are seen as the axis of the action may pause to ask themselves who they are, what they are doing, and where they are going, but this questioning tends to happen offscreen. While portraying such self-reflection may slow down the action and undermine getting a story told in two hours, it also keeps leaders from being shown as the complex, emotionally charged, and intuitive people they usually are.
I have wrestled with this myself throughout my career. While I have always known where I am going, there are days when you simply aren't certain which turn in the road is the correct one to follow. But, fundamentally, one thing matters at these times…confidence in your own vision being strong enough to beckon you (and your followers, for that matter) wherever it is going, personally or professionally.
At a time in my life when I am facing the loss of a close family member concurrent with monumental growth within the university, it helps to think back to the basic structure of what I have intended to accomplish and see where I am on the blueprint—I might be skirting the edge of the paper some days, but I'm still focused on the plan. I offer these words when you are in trying times: Don't lose sight of where your soul is directing you, because when you are feeling adrift, it will not fail to lead you back.
