Last week I had the privilege of highlighting our good friend, Justin Deboer, and his team from Skyline Contracting. As I reflect on his leadership and teamwork, one word continues to rise to the surface. At the heart of what Justin has done, along with every Maverick leader desiring and longing for their home and business to be different, is…..
I received 2 notes from fellow Mavericks this week. Both focused on the word courage. The first, from my friend Matthew Eckert, Executive Lead Pastor of NorthPark Community church (and ex-international banker), referencing a recent research report from Deloitte. Their research focused on the level of courage in Canadian businesses (or the lack thereof).
Deloitte states that courageous businesses outperform their more fearful peers.
- They experience 69% greater revenue growth compared to the 46% growth of the fearful businesses.
- They create more jobs.
- Only 1 in 10 Canadian businesses can be considered truly courageous.
- Fearful businesses are 2X’s as likely to see revenues fall compared to their courageous counterparts.
Food for thought for your business and ours!!
The other note was from our friends, Martin and Janine Pastink, at RDK Concrete Cutting & Coring. They shared with us a daily devotional from Pastor Rick Warren called, “Courageous People Resolve Conflict“. In his post, Rick Warren brings a clear directive to us as Christ followers.
- You cannot claim Christ and not have done your part to resolve a conflict. 1 John 4:20
- Don’t listen to the lie “time heals everything”; or that the other person has to come to you first. Time to live out 2 Timothy 1:7
Two notes – two perspectives on courage. Both right – both bold – both an invitation for us to be courageous.
Being the business leader God has invited you to be is not for the faint of heart! You will need to be courageous. It is not optional!
One of my favourite passages is Joshua 1:9. Joshua is charged with leading the Jewish people across the Jordan into the Promised Land. As Joshua looks to assume his leadership post, it is evident that FEAR must have been at play. Three times in verses 6 – 9, God clearly commands Joshua to have courage.
As God’s people, we are called to live courageous lives; not ones of timidity or fear. This is not a just a ‘nice suggestion’ for you and me. Rather, it is an invitation to lead with courage – to live with courage!
Are you willing to obey His command to be strong and courageous in the areas of your business, home and community where He is inviting you to do so?
A Maverick Application:
- Are there fears keeping you from leading yourself, your business, your home in a way that God has called you to lead?
- If so, what are they?
- What is the courageous thing God may be asking you to do in response?
- Who can you ask to support you as you step out to do what is needed?
