“If there aren’t specific goals and steps to follow in sequence, there won’t be a goal, only a wish.” Michael Yapko My greatest growing edge in both maturity and spirituality (as if they could be separated) revolves around thinking. Yes – thinking and not following my emotions as I lead NLF, parent, and make decisions. This is, I am finding, easy to understand, but quite challenging to do. It takes time, prudence, patience, and character especially if it is done prayerfully and before the Lord. Proverbs is full of insight on this. It is the sacred, holy work of leadership. Few do it well. It is not simply a skill but a level of character that is required so that I can do appropriate introspection as to motives and past material in my life that is impacting the present. It all comes out in the pressure cooker of leadership. For example, as I meet with different of our staff today, the question is: “What are my goals for our time together? What are my steps to get there?” I find that it is very easy to become vague with myself and carried away by opportunities, reactions, and feelings. And as they consider new initiatives, what are their goals, time commitments, time line? In emotionally healthy spirituality, it really is the dynamic of both thoughts and feelings that makes for solid differentiation and solid leadership I think it could be said that to attain “greatness” or go the next level, you have to do what you don’t want. In other words, you need to tolerate discomfort for growth. Becoming your true self in Christ is hard work. It requires the constant learning of new skills and the courage to be reflective about our inner heart before the Lord. This goes beyond temperment, Myers-Briggs, DISC and the Enneagram. It goes to the heart of our character. Why else do you think so few leaders lead well?
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Sep
