Leadership Polarizes Because Truth is Polarizing
Posted by Orrin Woodward on November 9, 2011
Why is it that the greatest leaders of all-time seem to either have rabid fans or rabid critics? The answer is simple: truth polarizes. When a leader leads with his convictions, others, who do not hold the same convictions, will criticize the endeavor. Throughout history, men and women like Mother Theresa, Martin Luther, Sam Walton, Oliver Cromwell, George Washington, and Abraham Lincoln, to name a few, have received mountaintop praise and sewer-based criticisms. In fact, if a person desires to change the world, then he better build a tough skin while maintaining a soft heart, because he will be criticized!
Whatever a person does, it behooves him to get the facts directly from the sources. When it comes to LIFE, this means from one of the leaders within LIFE. That is why I wrote RESOLVED: 13 Resolutions for LIFE. This describes my 13 Resolutions that I choose to live my life by. Do I live it perfectly? Of course not. Do I strive everyday to improve? Absolutely! I am loving LIFE and plan on reaching that million people goal. If you read the book and feel compelled to join me and the LIFE leaders on the TEAM, then I welcome you. If you read the book and feel its not for you then I applaud you for doing your own research and making your own decision.
As a leader, I have had to make the tough decisions, letting people go (or supporting COO of TEAM, Rob Hallstrand in this process) when performance targets were not being met. It wasn’t personal, but as a professional leader, I am expected to make the tough decisions in order for the community to thrive. I did and will continue to do so as a leader. I also, as the TEAM Chairman, hold the line on people’s character, when they do something that is not in line with the culture or character of the team. I will sit them down from representing the TEAM until the issues are addressed. We are a grace based culture and forgive quickly when people repent from poor character choices. Our objective is always to restore relationships as this helps all of us reach more people. The goal is to confront, teach, and resolve, but if someone refuses to follow this process, they will not be allowed to hurt the rest of the LIFE TEAM community.
Regardless of how much a person complains, he should know that complaining to others (in person or online) will not resolve a character issue. Just as Proverbs 18:17 “The first to state his own case, seems right, Until another comes and examines him,” it’s only by sitting down and addressing issues like leaders that we learn the truth of the matter. I am happy to report that over the years, numerous relationships have been restored though practicing the Biblical conflict resolution principles taught within TEAM. I pray for the key relationships within each community, for I know this is one of the main ways Satan attempts to destroy movements for good. My advice to the reader is to remain humble, knowing that all of us are blind to our own sins, staying open to “learning moments” from each conflict resolution process. I know I certainly have learned a ton from the conflict resolution process over the years.
As for me and my family, we are going to 1 million people. I never promised easy, I only promised worth it. I feel more strongly about that statement today than ever before. In summary, for those truly interested in getting the facts about LIFE TEAM, read RESOLVED: 13 Resolutions for LIFE for yourself. Listen to the content of the CD’s for yourself, and then decide what you and your family will do. I support and encourage you either way because I believe a person must follow his purpose, not mine. I want to build a TEAM that is purpose driven, who passionately fulfill their potential and profit for doing so along the way. I refuse to get bitter, but will get better. I feel similar to Abraham Lincoln in saying, “With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in,” to reach 1 million people through loving and serving everyone placed in our LIFE. Sincerely, Orrin Woodward
16 Responses to “Leadership Polarizes Because Truth is Polarizing”
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Nicholas Nighbor said
Orrin, thank you so much for what you and what you represent. The TEAM has a long list of leaders that our young children can follow. It is no longer just athletes that kids can look up to. The parents can be the hero to their kids through LIFE and restore the family centered life again. Thank you again Orrin.
Nathan Deslippe said
Thanks Orrin for leading by example! You lead from the front and inspire thousands upon thousands to lead a purpose filled life and that inspires myself to better myself and strive for excellence. Thank you Orrin! On to a million!!!
Tracie said
I look forward to reading the resolved book. The life cd’s have helped me to keep and restore many friendships. Thank you Orrin for the creation of the life subscriptions. My life would be a very lonely, sad existence without the new thinking I have learned through life.
Hans Widener said
Orrin, thank you for being such a man of character and vision. I’m just finishing up reading Visioneering by Andy Stanley and you model so well the principles he speaks of. You are a purpose-driven (vision-driven) man who is devoted to maintaining your moral authority. One quote stuck out to me that I thought described you and the LIFE Team leaders so well. “An audience can disagree with a position, but they can’t disagree with the reality of a conviction lived out.” “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass” (1 Thes 5:24). God bless, Hans Widener
Paul Bragenzer said
Orrin,
Thank you for your statement of truth re: conflict resolution and leadership. A great example of velvet and steel. On to one million!
Rob Crichlow said
I will never understand why people will not sit down with the people they have an issue with and discuss so a better understanding or solution can be met. Thanks Orrin for continuing to be leader of integrity and courage. The new book is exciting and I am looking forward to reading it. Lead on!
Kristen Seidl said
“I pray for the key relationships within each community, for I know this is one of the main ways Satan attempts to destroy movements for good.” Man, this is more true now than ever as the communities keep getting bigger – the enemy is not happy! Thank you for your continued humility and grace! Any critic who seems to think they can destroy your name better watch out because a community of millions will leave no room (online, in the living rooms or elsewhere) for their opinion! We got your back Orrin! Thank you for all you do!
gregjohnson on leadership said
Orrin,
It has always amazed me how quick people can be to criticize, but I am always reminded of the Teddy Roosevelt comment on critics;
It’s not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or when the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worth cause; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or defeat. Theodore Roosevelt
It seems that the critic if they do get in the arena, never persist long enough to succeed, only long enough to claim they were in. I like to call that a thin vail of truth covered with a lie. They were never really in the game just a spectator in disguise.
Bob said
My copy of the book should be here today, can’t wait!!!
Johan Friesen said
This is a great piece Orrin. People like to follow leaders that stand firm and know where they’re going… I’m 53 and have so much to learn but it’s not learning as fast as I’d like, it teaches me patience… I’m looking forward in getting your new book.
Thanks
Moira Fitzgerald said
Lessons to be learned and shared! If we become adept at conflict resolution, much of life improves dramatically. Thanks for leading the way!
Titi Woki said
Orrin,
I am loving the book already, thank you for showing us all that it possible to live a life of excellence in all areas!
Thank you and may God bless you as you lead the Team Life to a Million people!
Titi
cathykilpatrickleadership said
Orrin,
Your mention of complaining reminds me of a book I read recently, The No Complaining Rule. I wanted to break myself of the habit of complaining, so I set up bullet points from the book on the white board in my cube at work. I also put it up on a note above my desk there, and have a copy for my purse. I am trying to do what you say, and take the hard way out of a complainers lifestyle.
Lanny Leonard said
Awesome article Orrin. Thank you for what you are doing. We’ve learned so much as a result of soaking in the system and “actually applying it personally. Jo and I were just talking about the Satan factor. We resolve to pray for you and your family, the policy counci, and the efforts of a few on the way to a million.
Wildtarg said
It seems hardly surprising to me that a leader’s example and influence are polarizing. A leader challenges the current state of things; in essence he or she challenges others to change their thinking, habits, beliefs, or methods. And since change is a choice, almost inevitably a portion of people will choose to change, and a portion will choose to resist change. Polarization may not be simply a side effect of influence; it can help to identify who understands or accepts the leader’s goals and objectives, who they can trust, and who they can count on to oppose their mission and antagonize their followers.
Some may simply not understand what a leader means to accomplish; this is where skill with people comes in. But in the end, any principled leader must choose their purpose over popularity, and side with their mission against the masses. I know myself that the decision to excel academically came with a high price; long hours, studying alone rather than with those who preferred to swap answers, and a diminished social life. Making decisions that can hurt not only oneself but others is never easy, but anyone who aspires to mastery must weigh principle and character against fame and acclaim. This is one of the rules on the field in which men struggle. Anyone who seems universally praised is either deceptive or insipid. The real test is not in the reviews, but in the results.
Thank you for facing and remarking on one of the tougher sides of leading, Orrin. Your example of character continues to convict and inspire me.
Keep going, we’re with you…
Sharon Hoffman said
Awesome post Orrin! Thanks for your example! To one million!
Sharon:)