Torch, Summer 1986

12 Dealing with Discouragement byDr.WendellW.Kempton at the Top D ejection , disheartenment, lack of spirit, depression, low spirits, gloom, melancholy, despon– dency, despair, dismay, frustration , consternation, hopelessness , prostration, loss of confidence, cold feet, hesitation , fearfulness, mistrust . Opposition, resistance, antagonism, contravention, dissuasion , intimidation, expostulation , remonstrance, prohibition. Dampen, wet blanket, cold water, deterrent, hindrance, impediment, obstacle, barricade, preclu– sion, interference , setback, curb , check, control, rein, restraint, constraint, repression, restriction, inhibition , rebuff, slap-in-the-face, put-down . Now that is quite a list of words and phrases! Read through them again and be ready to admit that most of them have been your portion. In fact, J .L. Rodale lists the above in his book, The Synonym Finder, where he communicates on the subject of discouragement. Everyone reading this article has had to deal with this enemy of the mind and disrupter of the soul. However, what very few people understand or acknowledge is that discouragement has its effect on men and women who are at the top in their executive positions and responsibilities . Recently, I was having breakfast with a friend of mine on the West coast. He is both president and chairman of the board of the largest company of its kind in this country . We were talking about experiences which had come along with his success . Soon we found ourselves discussing frustration, fearfulness, resistance , all of which led to discouragement. It was his conviction that the higher one goes in responsibility , the greater the intensity of discouragement. There is an aura surrounding gifted leaders. They not only exude a great deal of confidence, but they also can portray a spirit of humility. Most of the godly ones I know understand that these are divinely given traits . These attributes undergird them when they are meeting deadlines, managing people , striving for goals, making important decisions, keeping appoint– ments, solving corporate problems, answering phone calls, directing committees and boards, and striving for excellence . However, along with the above listed routines come failure, frustrations, waiting, hindrances, contrary thinking, unexpected encroachments upon the schedule, and fatigue . All of it is a part of the leader's turf. .. and beyond that, the leader often finds himself