The Snares of SuccessSample

The Snares of Success: Part IV

In this series we’re discussing some of the snares that can surface when a business leader begins experiencing success. The snare I want to address today is privacy.

Seeking privacy is important for time of reflection and rest, but some leaders who begin experiencing success take privacy to an extreme. Although isolation is sometimes important from a safety standpoint, many go into isolation for other reasons.

Some go into isolation due to personal insecurities; others choose isolation due to their growing arrogance that they are better than others.

Isolation is one of Satan’s favorite tools.

1 Peter 5:8 warns, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”

If you have ever watched shows that highlight lions hunting for gazelles, you will notice that the lions will find one of the weaker gazelles, then isolate them. The isolated gazelle is doomed.

When you are isolated, you can be easily deceived about your own and your organization’s shortcomings. Privacy can be important, but when it gets to extreme isolation you run the risk of being destroyed by your success.

Living in community and transparency is a better strategy. Find those people you can trust and give them permission to know you deeply and hold you accountable when necessary.

Discussion Questions:

1. How would you determine for yourself personally when privacy has drifted into unhealthy isolation?
2. Have you ever isolated yourself for a season? Did it feel healthy or unhealthy?
3. Do you have friends who you have shared with transparently about your life? How would you feel about giving them permission to challenge you and hold you accountable during your times of success?