John Maxwell has said that ‘everything rises and falls on leadership.’ When leaders refuse to lead much is lost. A great loss of course is that of mentoring the next set or generation of leaders. In 1776, the colonists in the British American Colonies were so unhappy, that they formed a Continental Congress which suggested declaring theirIndependencefromGreat Britain. 56 men signed the document, and publicly announced that they were declaring treason onGreat Britain. Pretty bold. Most of them lost their families and many lost their fortunes, largely because of that decision and the decisions that followed. One bold leader was John Hancock whose name is now synonymous with a signature itself. Some leaders collaborate (like I do) others attempt to gain consensus and leads from the group (nothing wrong with that in certain circumstances) but sometimes there is call for clear and bold leadership. It is the moment in which the leader says, ‘no more meetings, no more work shops, no more consultants, no more negotiations, I am declaring independence and I am making this decision.’ I am not saying that being an engaging and collaborative leader somehow makes us weak or ineffective. I am saying that in the name of being open, engaging, and collaborative, leaders, in many cases have lost their ability to be bold, make a decision and take a stand. Someone has to say, there is a preferable future ahead. Steve Jobs said that ‘innovation distinguishes a leader from a follower,’ and ‘if you only do what you know you can do, you never do very much.’ It was Jobs who could see the future and not only be a revolutionary leader but he inspired others to be bold as well. Someone has to say, ‘it is time for a new direction, a new strategy, its time for something bold. Recently while coaching a leader and helping him navigate a current situation in his organization, we realized just how stuck they were. The leaders in his organization have simply resigned that status quo and maintenance are their new reality. Change is needed and I am coaching this leader to move toward boldness. A steady diet of boldness will crush people. While salt enhances flavor, too much salt doesn’t. Boldness is a part of your leadership toolbox but not the only tool you grab. As with most things in leadership and life, the answer lies in a balance, not in the extremes. Bold leadership begins by looking inward. What ‘self leadership’ do you need to take in your own life? Finances, family, health, skills, character or relationships? Boldness requires us to do, think, or decide something other than the status quo. Great leaders think and dream something beyond what everyone else is thinking and dreaming.
If boldness was common practice it would not set itself apart or even create a darker font on the page, it would be normal. Being a leader isn’t easy work and for certain when you are out front there is always a big target on your back. If you have been called to lead, then lead and with integrity and clear vision and with all your heart, encourage, persuade and influence others to follow.
People are looking to you – yes you! Each one of us is a leader since we all influence someone else. How are you leading? Where are you leading others? Are you able to encourage others towards a preferable future? God will help you. Be courageous, the Lord is with you.
Joshua 1:7
Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go.
Let us lead,
Pastor Bernie
