This is the 3rd post of 3, inviting you to be a leader of wise judgment vs. a judgmental leader.
How tight is your grasp? It’s a question to seriously consider as we engage with and lead people. It is one that my DU business partners and I are once again revisiting. How tight is our grasp?
It seems that, as circumstances change and pressures increase, we almost unconsciously tighten our grasp on the need to control, to be right, to produce what is perceived to be a needed outcome. Fear of not having, of not “being a somebody”, of not being valued may lead us to be overly critical and judgmental of those who seem to stand in our way.
I suggest that if you allow a judgmental spirit to grow and you will diminish your capacity to be a leader of wise judgment. As one increases the other will decrease. Which one will you choose to cultivate?
The apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 2:1-8 NIV are instructive for you and me. As you read them, reflect on a current leadership challenge you are facing. How hard are you “grasping” as you engage with this person, or in this situation?
Here are 5 questions you can use to reflect on the “tightness of your grasp”.
Are you encouraged in your connection with Christ? Your intimacy with Jesus will impact your capacity to thoughtfully reflect on your “grasp”.
Is there a spirit of selfish ambition or vain conceit in what you feel towards another person or circumstance?
Whose interests are at the top? Are you looking only to your interests, or are you genuinely interested in what’s best for the other?
Are you humbly pursuing the same mindset as Christ, who did not grasp at his situation as something to be used for his own advantage? Is there an “advantage” you are seeking?
Are you choosing to “serve” as you work to release your “grasp” with a person or situation?
These 5 questions are fresh in my thinking as I reflect on my responses to the significant pressures I am facing in my leadership. Jesus chose to “make himself nothing” relative to his “status” of being equal with God. I need to grow more and more in this area.
How about you? How tight is your grasp?
A Deliberate Application:
Are you experiencing being a leader of wise judgment or are you being judgmental? Would those close to you agree?
As you consider a difficult situation with a person, is there something you are “grasping” at? Are you holding onto something that is not for you to hold onto?
As you reflect on this situation, prayerfully read Phil 2:1-8. What may you be sensing God ask of you as you reflect?
Is there an action you need to take in response to what you sense God asking of you?
