Self-evaluation by a nonprofit executive

My week ends on a good note having received the following feedback from an executive director and nonprofit champion:

“I am slogging through another personnel issue and rather than just lash out and say "Just go away, then," I am trying to weigh options. As a leader I feel it is important to be firm in my convictions - however, I also feel it is important to question them occasionally too. Am I being bullheaded or just a strong leader? Should I consider everyone's opinion, at the risk of "paralysis by analysis," which we just went through? Are there some excellent team members who just won't fit my vision?
So I came up with a list of mentors whose opinions I respect, and the first local call went straight to voicemail. The second one was in a meeting. I decided to call you and was reviewing past emails for your phone number, when I became fascinated by the answers you had given me to this question a year before I faced it. I found myself forwarding old emails to myself again to refresh myself.”

What leader has not faced such questions? It's tough questioning that identifies the true leaders. Job title is irrelevant. Leaders are the ones not afraid to look at the answers. The cost of pioneering any initiative whether it's an innovative approach to a festering community problem or trying to make a difference in the world as an individual when you’re not exactly sure how to do it, is confusing somedays. But not on days with emails like this one.

It’s not the speed at which you run the race but that you get out there and run.