As leaders, we’re predisposed to celebrating our wins and hiding our losses. However, there is often significant value in what we call “failure” if we approach it correctly. In this episode of the Pinnacle Leaders Podcast, Dr. Randal Langley and his wife and ministry partner of more than 30 years, Laurie Langley, discuss the importance of learning from our mistakes and allowing others to benefit from them, too.
Dr. Randal S. Langley is the President and CEO of Christian Life School of Theology Global (CLSTG), a world leader in theological and leadership education solutions for churches, ministries and other organizations. A visionary leader and dynamic communicator, Dr. Langley serves as a guest-speaker and provides leadership strategy/counsel for ministries and other organizations across the U.S. and internationally. As part of his commitment to helping people achieve their God-given purpose, Dr. Langley is also a founding partner and certified life coach, teacher, and trainer for the John C. Maxwell Team.
Having more than two decades of experience in leading and developing people and teams, Laurie Langley is passionately committed to the values of integrity and follow-through. From a position of being a lifelong learner, Laurie is recognized as a highly capable communicator, an organization and proficiency professional, and is trained and seasoned in outcome management. In addition to the business skills she has developed over the years, Laurie is passionate about sharing hope, living in peace, and her belief in the power of kindness.
There’s a stigma attached to failure, but as a leader, you should never ignore your missteps or try to cover them up. If you don’t talk about your losses, you lose your ability to connect with people, and they miss out on the opportunity to learn from you.
Life is not a linear experience, and we should not be ashamed of taking an occasional step back. It’s like climbing a mountain: Climbers experience acclimatization, which is the process of becoming accustomed to a new climate and thinner air at higher altitudes. They will hike for a day or two, come back down and repeat the process, each time going a little higher. The goal is to reach the top of the mountain, but it is not a linear ascent. As a leader, taking a step back can propel you forward with strategic purpose. You won’t be able to survive at the top unless you have had time to acclimate to your surroundings.
If you are feeling stuck or you’re in a season of transition, pause and do some spiritual reflection. God may be bringing you to a place of instruction and preparation for the next season. Don’t allow the ebbs and flows of life to discourage you. Instead, lean into those quiet moments with the Lord, and let him refresh you for what’s to come.
Subscribe to the Pinnacle Leaders Podcast with Dr. Langley to listen to this episode and others for more Biblical wisdom on the areas of lordship, leadership and lifestyle.