In this podcast, I introduce the paradigm-shifting concept of differentiation as one significant reason why exercising excellent leadership is so hard – whether it be in a church, a business, a non-profit institution, or an educational institution. Differentiation involves remaining connected to people and yet not having your reaction or behaviors determined by them. Our primary task, like Jesus, is to calmly differentiate our true self from the demands and voices around us, discerning the vision, pace, and mission the Father has uniquely given us. It involves being clear about our life goals and not becoming lost in the anxious emotional processes swirling around us. (See Edwin Friedman’s A Failure of Nerve.) Jesus, of course, models for us a 100% differentiated person. In this podcast, I address three key questions that have helped me to grow in differentiation and to maturely navigate high-charged situations that have come my way: What do I do with. Read more.