Leading with Wisdom and Humility: More Transformative Truths from Hal Donaldson
As a continuation of our previous blog, here is Part 2 in the series of life-changing truths of Hal Donaldson, CEO of international relief organization, Convoy of Hope.
Truth #3: Wise leaders surround themselves with the right people
Leaders who want to make it for the long haul need to be choosy with whom they spend the most time. Instead of looking for someone with surface-level flash, Hal looks for a certain kind of person: faithful, kind, loyal, godly, truth tellers). These individuals help you remain on the higher path of purpose and have the courage to speak truth to power, offering warning and instruction when needed. Neither do they allow you to isolate yourself. And when we encounter despair and disillusionment, they meet us in those moments with compassion. As it has been said before, “Show me your friends and I will show you your future.” While we all would love to have that type of friend, we should likewise strive to be that one to others.
Truth #4: Don’t become infatuated with what you’ve accomplished in the past
Reflecting often on the past, the good or the bad, keeps us stuck in the past. While Hal has achieved amazing victories that have greatly improved millions of lives and are worth celebrating, he and Convoy of Hope would restrictively bind themselves to past events, whether to try to replicate them or to mourn them—rather than being ready to adjust to where the Holy Spirit was leading them next. There is more that God wants us to do, so we mustn’t spend time staring in the rearview mirror. Scripture reminds us not to turn aside from His leading to the left or the right so that we may be successful wherever we go (Joshua 1:7).
Truth #5: Success is more dangerous than failure
Pedestals can become diving boards for great falls. We all have seen it happen to leaders. The praise, the adulation, and the honor have unknowingly led people to climb onto a pedestal of their own making. And they’ve permitted that perception to infuse into their team. The harm? We let down our guard, losing a God-given reverence as we lead ourselves. Ultimately, pride goes before a fall. Hal has been careful to acknowledge his humanity, struggles, and need for others. His goal, he says, is humility—to be willing to be small in the eyes of man and honored in the sight of God.
Truth #6: Build a servant leadership culture
At Convoy, Hal reveals that the beautiful secret of the joy and unity among staff is the culture that has been created. The Convoy culture is one of appreciation and gratitude shown to each team member. The leaders view themselves as servants to their direct reports. And so, the greater the title, the more people to serve. Hal has modeled this quality as CEO and watched this mindset trickle throughout the organization. Building an uplifting culture is more caught than taught. Genuinely valuing each person and showing thankfulness to them for their efforts, however great or small, are key components of this culture. These individuals become spiritual magnets, attracting others who appreciate the dignity and kindness that they offer.
Truth #7: Don’t get ahead of God
One failure that Hal highlighted was having the right vision but missing God’s timing. That looked like prematurely entering countries and starting ministries because they looked like good ideas at the time. It also involved hiring the wrong people who showed charisma and talent but lacked character and chemistry. Upon learning this lesson, their key to success was to prayerfully seek God and give Him ample opportunity to vote on the decision, per say. It is truly better to wait and have God’s clear green light than to rush headlong into a brick wall.
Hal Donaldson is a great man! He is my friend and a model of servant leadership to me. He treats everyone with great value, and we should all emulate this striking quality. When you see Convoy of Hope serving others in the US or around the world, remember this wonderful man who humbly leads it, and the great team that follows his example.
To watch Part 2 of the interview, click here.
To watch Part 1 of the interview, click here.