Something big is happening inside of me. I’m not sure exactly what it will ultimately look like but there’s a vision growing in my heart that I can’t help but acknowledge. My vision is about changing lives and waking people up to who God REALLY is and what he wants to do in us and the world. For those who know me, you might say that this is always what I’ve been about. While partially true, the difference now is the sense of urgency that I feel and the bigness of the vision.
As a leader, you have been called to something greater than managing tasks and getting things done. You have been called to make a difference in the world and impact lives. Your version of this calling may not have any spiritual elements to it at all, but you are called to make a big impact.
Do you sense the calling?
You may not feel it, but believe me, the calling is there. The busyness and noise of life have dulled our senses and ability to connect with the deepest parts of our selves. There is a huge gap in this world. People are lost, directionless, in pain, struggling, seeking meaning and fulfillment, wanting to make their own imprint on the world and for their life to matter.
As a leader, you can fill the gap but first you have to know that you are called.
The most important leadership practice to connect with your calling and the deepest part of yourself is solitude. This is not only the place where you will meet your calling, but also a source of contentment. Philosopher Blaise Pascal wrote, “I have discovered that all the unhappiness of men arises from one single fact, that they are unable to stay quietly in their room.”
Get away from human contact, be alone and do it for lengthy periods of time. Be in silence with just yourself and God and hear what emerges.
What’s the impact you’ll have?
Robert K Greenleaf gave us a test for our leadership and asked if those we serve are “healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants.”
Examine where and whom you are leading right now. What would it look like for them to be healthy, wise, free and autonomous? How do you need to lead for that to happen? What’s the impact on their lives and the world around them when it happens?
Do you feel a sense of urgency?
Life is short and our season as a leader is even shorter. You may feel your calling, you may know the impact you want to make but you may have no idea how to do it or what to do next. That’s o.k. Just take the next step. Every mountain in the world is climbed one step at a time. If you have no idea how you’ll climb this mountain that is your calling as a leader, just take the next step and do it now. Life is short!
In what ways will you begin to integrate solitude into your life?
How will you lead differently so your people are healthier, wiser, freer and more autonomous?
What’s the first step?