Don't Be a Dummy!

I have a friend whose dad said to him while growing up: “Don’t be a dummy!”  So good, really.  As a matter of fact, when I was a kid, my own father mentioned to me, more times than I care to admit, that I was not living up to my potential.  Looking back, I see what he meant.  It can be frustrating to watch a young guy “mess it up” simply because he just wasn’t thinking.  I found that you never grow out of such solid, practical advice.  We don’t have to be the proverbial “dummy” if we will just take some time and think about what we are doing and the impact it can make.  In ministry, or any other occupation, responsibilities can be many and situations can compound before we realize it.  And, when the leader makes wrong decisions, the impact can have negative consequences.  So, what should be our posture in leadership?  Here are some suggestions:

Anticipate challenging times.  One of the greatest missteps of a leader is to think that he or she is too good of a person to be misunderstood.  Challenging times come to every leader...and, can make good leaders even better.

Assume you could be wrong.  Being dogmatic about too many things can be a sign that tragedy is ahead.  Humility and confidence is a healthy leadership combination.

Accept advice from the right people.  The right people often include individuals who have already been down a similar road.  Listen carefully and take notes.

Ask questions.  The old adage, “There’s no such a thing as a dumb question” can even be better phrased in this context, “There’s no such a person as a dumb person who asks lots of pertinent questions.”

Allow for course corrections.  Be flexible enough to change when the need arises and as often as it arises.  Adaptability can make the leadership journey more enjoyable and rewarding.

That’s right, you don’t have to be a dummy…no matter how little experience or knowledge you think you have.  There’s enough “dummies” out there that can vouch for that!