Observations on Fireworks

We ended our family Christmas celebrations with a firework finale at my in-laws this week. It's one of my favorite traditions. Typically I approach the occasion with a simple attitude; have fun, try not to scare the kids and dogs too much, and avoid a grass fire that could send central Texas up in smoke. But for unexplained reasons, this year the entire event came under careful introspective scrutiny on the quiet drive home that evening. For lack of anything better to occupy my thoughts, I began to ponder what it is within our human DNA that separates those who spectate fireworks from those who experience fireworks. Why is it some are content to "ooh and aah" over the brilliant explosions in the sky from their folding chair on the front porch while others of us aren't happy unless we are holding a stick of mild explosives in our hand for a couple of extra seconds after the fuse is lit? Why do some prefer to watch from the window while others of us feel the experience is incomplete unless we can smell the sulfur and gunpowder, unless our ears ring from the explosions, unless we are defying every safety warning and aiming the rockets just over our brother-in-law's head, and unless we walk away with a few burn marks in our jeans? We arrived home before I could completely resolve the issue. So, a question for you...what distinguishes the spectator from the "full-on" firework enthusiast?

Leadership Discipline

I'm proud of you for reading past this title. "Discipline" is not something most of us are interested in hearing about. But I've been consumed lately with thoughts about why some leaders seem to endure and others have a fairly short career at the helm and, to large degree, I think it boils down to discipline. We usually think of discipline in terms of hard work, perseverance, burning the midnight oil, or sacrificing for the team to get the job done. In many cases, these are in fact traits that describe most successful leaders. However, I believe there is another short list of disciplines that are absolutely critical though conventional wisdom would not necessarily associate these characteristics with good leadership traits.

Just a few of the often overlooked disciplines:

• Balancing work and home life - I strongly believe that the best leaders are those who prioritize taking care of their family and leading at home. Every leader needs a place to retreat for rest, relaxation, and encouragement. "Home" can be such a place but only if we choose to make the necessary investments. (see "Castle Walls" from 11/05/06 blog)


• Taking care of your body - Leadership stamina requires a healthy body. All too often leaders will set aside their own health and well being when the schedule becomes chaotic. I propose that the health risks associated with the added stress of leadership are all the more reason we should prioritize taking care of our bodies. Approximately 77% of men and 61% of women are overweight and only 31% of men and 29% of women engage in at least moderate physical activity on a regular basis (American Heart Association Annual Report 2006). Leaders must have the discipline to develop healthy habits.


• Schedule time for reflection and introspection - The executive leader is driven by schedule and agenda; both of which are typically overly optimistic of what can be accomplished in a given time allotment. Even the greatest of intentions will not win out over the next appointment beeping in on the blackberry. Therefore, if we are not intentional about scheduling time out for personal reading, reflection and prayer, the time will be filled with something or somebody else. Schedule a daily appointment WITH YOURSELF!


• Be an intentional listener - I'm always surprised how easy it is for me to go through the day and never really solicit anyone else's ideas. It is far too easy for us as leaders to fall into the trap of always being the one with the answer to give and never being the one with the question to satisfy. Imagine what we could learn if we approached others thinking more about what we could learn from them rather than what we could impart to them.

Remember, if it were easy and independently gratifying it wouldn't be called DISCIPLINE.

Things Come Together

It's been a grueling couple of weeks of study, business travel, endless meetings, and presentation deadlines. The climax came a few days ago when I came down with a nasty cold on my way to Chicago for a business presentation. Feeling lousy, I remember questioning everything...why me? why now? why this job? why here? After two days of flight delays and a NyQuil induced brain fog, I finally made it back home and began to recover; emotionally and physically.

Then on Saturday morning, I sat down with a cup of coffee and began to read over a Bible verse that a friend and I have been working to memorize, Colossians 1:24-29. To paraphrase the passage, Christian leaders should be about the business of admonishing and teaching others about Christ. It will not be an easy road but we can rejoice in our suffering if we are working in obedience to the Lord. We can persevere in our labor if we rely upon God's strength which makes us mighty men. Apostle Paul's words to the Colossians could just as well have been a personal note to me. This passage just brought it all together for me on Saturday morning. If I believe my leadership influence is a tool to minister to others, then I should expect suffering but I should rest assured in the victory because the Lord works in me to accomplish His purposes. Let's allow God to use us in a mighty way this week, regardless of our human frailty or fault!