Noticing even the SLIGHTEST shifts....

I'll be honest.  As a leader, I'm not always so good at this when it comes to leading staff and others. 

Sure, I do pretty well noticing the slight steps people take on their spiritual journeys - but this is not always natural to me when it comes to day to day people leading.

More often than not, I tend to miss out on recognizing and celebrating the slight shifts in the right direction in people's attitudes or behaviors.  It's like all or nothing. 

But what I'm realizing is that even the SLIGHTEST shifts in the right direction need to be recognized, pointed out, and celebrated. 

I'm learning that as a leader, it's not just about helping others "get there" - it's also about being a part of their JOURNEY of getting there.  And by acknowledging the slight positive shifts, people feel more empowered to keep making those slight shifts - until eventually.......they're there!

Anyone care to add to that?

Comments

[Jason Gordon]

I agree. Sometimes I find myself saying things like, "Yeah, but they should be doing that!" Instead of recognizing that they are moving in the right direction. John Stott makes a comment about this in a little book called, "Baptism and Fullness," in terms of spiritual growth. He basically says that if we prescribe instant growth in our people we are no more than crackpot gardeners.

[Joy Spencer]

Marathon runners (so they tell me) like it when there are people along the entire 26 miles cheering them on. They say the tough part of the race is when the streets are empty. Sounds like we need to be along our team during their entire journey cheering them on. .. not just the finish line.
-Travis

[jason]

As a dad, I've noticed that's true with my kids as well.

[kenny]

I think you make a really good point. It reminds me how someone trying to lose weight (and successfully losing weight) needs to hear from their friends and loved ones that they notice their weight loss. That it's working. That their hard work is paying off. Otherwise, they won't believe it, no matter what the scale tells them. I think the journey is MORE important than "getting there."

[Larry Boatright]

You're on to something here Scott. I think as a leader it's a struggle because you want to lead and for most that means "get things done". That's a good thing. But I think God has strategically placed us side-by-side to help each other along the way, iron sharpening iron. The celebrating personal wins (growth in character, creative idea, positive step as a leader) I think is a BIG deal and sorely lacking much of the time in every leadership team. I think it's especially key from the team leader, and it's sometimes anti-dna for that person. We all keep growing, managing weaknesses, developing strengths, together.

[John Bradshaw]

Bingo baby!
I know as a driven and detailed person I can recognize and point out the smallest flaws and yet so much of the time miss those monumnetal shifts.
A great word because I know that some of the most influential people in my life just noticed a brief moment of my journey.

[brewster]

LOVE this post. Thanks man.

[Joni]

My daughter's school does this. They have given teachers and staff "Mustang Dollars"(mustangs are the mascots) to award when they catch the students exhibiting one of the character qualities taught. The kids can then "shop" in their classroom treasure boxes for prizes when they get enough.

[Mike]

Encouragement is what it's all about for all of us. Remember that scripture says the steps of the righteous are ordered of God. I kind of relate this to the "What About Bob" spiritual growth pattern. We all take baby steps. I remember when my kids were learning to walk. Everytime they took a step we got so excited and you could see on their face that they were excited that we were excited. It kept them wanting to take more steps.