Reading the article below reminds me of how often as a leader I see the applicability of Newton’s Third Law to systems, organizations, and societies. I have learned, often the hard way, that every decision has consequences that the decider can’t control. This article also provides an example of the reality that the multiplicity of forces driving human are complex and personal…which is probably why solutions often create new problems.
As a leader one of the things I appreciate is very direct communication from others. I would much rather have someone come to me and say, “Jerry I’m really mad at you about…”, than have someone be be upset and sit on it. On the flip side, I have to create a safe enough environment for people to feel comfortable enough to share their true feelings with me. I can create that safety by validating their concerns and by not talking over them, explaining their concerns away, or retaliating in any way.
I am really working hard at the art of listening and clarifying. It is taking a lot of learning and relearning. My hope is the people around me at work and home feel more valued.
There are times, too often I must say, when being a leader is mentally, emotionally, and spiritually draining. I need to replenish not just my mind and body, but also my soul. This morning was one of those times. I received help from a book I have recently been using as part of my meditation time– The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers, edited by Arthur Bennett. This morning the prayer, Spiritus Sanctus, helped revive me.
O Holy Spirit,
As the sun is full of light, the ocean full of water, Heaven full of glory, so may my heart be full of thee.
Vain are all divine purposes of love and the redemption wrought by Jesus except thou work within,regenerating by thy power, giving my eyes to see Jesus, showing me the realities of the unseen world.
Give me thyself without measure, as an unimpaired fountain, as inexhaustible riches. I bewail my coldness, poverty, emptiness, imperfect vision, languid service, prayerless prayers, praiseless praises. Suffer me not to grieve or resist thee.
Come as power, to expel every rebel lust, to reign supreme and keep me thine;
Come as teacher, leading me into all truth, filling men with ALL understanding;
Come as love, that I may adore the Father, and love him as my all;
Come as joy, to dwell in me, move in me, animate me:
Come as light, illuminating the Scripture, moulding me in its laws:
Come as sanctifier, body, soul and spirit wholly thine;
Come as helper, with strength to bless and keep, directing my every step;
Come as beautifier, bringing order out of confusion, loveliness out of chaos.
Magnify to me thy glory by being magnified in me, and make me redolent of thy fragrance.
