The joy and fear of leadership

I’m in Madison, WI at the good old Inn on the Park at the Capitol.  I’ve stayed in this hotel easily for more than 40 days and nights over the course of the last 8 years.  It’s almost like a 2nd home in Madison.  Except, of course, a home where they come and make my bed, cook my meals and has a pool.  Also, everytime I’m here I’m working like a d-o-g & usually have nightmares.  Seriously, I always have nightmares when I stay in this hotel.  I woke up absolutely hysterical last night.

Anyway, I’m here for Director training for a new management role I’m taking in InterVaristy starting Aug. 1.  Every day, I feel a little bit more ready & a little bit more terrified.  One morning I feel qualified and ready, the next hopelessly ill-equipped and horrendously afraid.  I feel the heavy responsibility of the mantle of leadership.  Good leaders can change the world.  Good leaders can make a tremendous difference in the lives of a few, many or millions.  Bad leaders on the other hand… well, the propensity for destruction at it’s worst.  Mediocrity, at best.

Talk to me ladies.  What responsiblity in your life gets your adrenaline pumping?  Any leadership role that overwhlems you?  I’m wondering how you stay-at-moms feel.  Parenting is perhaps the biggest responsibility of all.  What helps you get through your fears?