I could hear the temptation in this Maverick’s voice as we worked through the realities of facing a tough conversation with a key member of his team--who also happened to be a family member. The seduction of the Compromise Zone was alive and well as he wrestled with how to approach the interaction.
In these situations…
the stakes are high,
the pressure is real, and
the implications of the conversation not going well are daunting!
If we are not aware, we can buy into a lie and find ourselves being drawn into the Compromise Zone. This zone is a natural landing place when…
Your tendency is to be too nice to people. Your natural response is to give in, and, as a result, people see you as a leader who can’t stand his/her ground. You recognize this and now dial up the truth and dial back on grace.
You recognize your tendency to be too direct. You are far too often coming across like a hammer, always seeing nails that need to be pounded home. As a result, you feel the need to dial back your truth muscle and offer more grace.
The reality is that, by trying to manage the conversation by offering a little bit more or less of grace and/or a little bit more or less of truth, we often end up doing neither very well.
We wind up in the "Compromise Zone"!
Jesus gives us a window on how, as leaders, we can fully engage in challenging conversations. He did not compromise truth over grace or grace over truth. He brought a FULL MEASURE of both grace and truth to each person and each conversation. He led people in conversations as one who was “full of grace and truth”.
You and I are called to do the same. If we are to grow and lead as Christ desires for us, then we must learn to be men and women “full of grace and truth”.
Part of the path to leading like Jesus is laid out for us in John 15:1-17. Jesus outlines that His father is the Gardener, He is the vine and you and I are the branches. We are being pruned by the Gardener so that we can be even more fruitful.
If you are feeling the pain of poor communication at work, at home, or in your community.... join us at our free lunch + learn on October 25th. Click the image below for more details.
Learning to lead self and others in conversations that offer a full measure of grace and a full measure of truth will require serious pruning for most of us. This continues to be a significant challenge and growth opportunity for me.
How about you?
A Deliberate Application:
Read and reflect on John 15:1-17.
Consider the Compromise Zone. Where may you be tempted to compromise grace and/or truth at the expense truly loving and helping another grow?
How is God pruning you as you consider becoming a leader who brings a full measure of grace and truth to those around you?
