Wouldn’t it be great if we could simplify the complexity of the numerous life and leadership decisions we are called to make by reducing them to one over-arching choice?
Peter Drucker’s One Leadership Choice
According to Peter Drucker we can. In his words, here is that one choice:
“A leader has only one choice to make—to lead or mislead.”
God calls us to lead our families, our churches, our companies and our communities.
A choice NOT to respond to God’s call to lead is a choice to mislead. Such a choice will be detrimental to you, to those whom God has entrusted to you, and to the expansion of the kingdom of God.
Let the charge issued to Joshua, as he took the leadership mantle to lead God’s people into a new land and new life, strengthen your resolve to lead with courage. Read it as if God is speaking directly to you—because He is:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)
Jesus’ One Leadership Choice
One of the beautiful things about God’s Word (and being a follower of Jesus) is that it can simplify the complexity of our leadership decisions.
For example, if we were to consider the “one choice” we need to make as leaders it would be something like this: to love God and people instead of projects, products, profits, or myriad of other things (Matthew 6:33; 22:37-39).
This choice has to do with our primary focus. Will we decide to lead or mislead? Will our leadership focus on honoring God and developing people or on something else?
Again, the results of this decision have mega ramifications. A choice to follow the great relational mandate of Jesus is a choice to
- simplify complexity
- allow God to multiply our leadership investments for maximum results
- bring value both for now and for to eternity–to yourself and to others
A Man Who Made These One Choices
This past weekend I was privileged and honored to have a brief conversation with a very successful, godly businessman who modeled these critical, one choices, in his life.
I met Bill Pollard while waiting to board a flight home from Boston.
Bill is most notably known for his leadership as the two-time CEO of ServiceMaster, where “To Honor God in All We Do” and “To Help People Develop” was their two end goals as a company.
When I realized whom I was speaking with, I asked him as many questions as I could in an attempt to glean as much wisdom as possible from this man whom I had heard and read about.
Unfortunately, the time I had with him was short. But, even in those few moments, I could tell I was speaking with a person who really loved God and cared about people.
I had already been looking forward to reading his book, The Tides of Life, but after my exchange with him, I decided to start it on the trip home and couldn’t put it down.
Consider the following words of wisdom found at the end of the chapter entitled, The Awesome Responsibility of Leadership, in Bill’s book:
“The workplace is not just where we get things done. It is also a place that can become a moral community for the development of human character. A community that reflects a responsibility for its people and a care for those they serve. A community where it is okay to raise the question of God…”
Speaking of his tenure with ServiceMaster he reflects:
“As I look back, I can add up the numbers that show growth in profits, customers served, and a return for our shareholders averaging twenty percent a year. While these figures are part of a normal business assessment of performance, the conclusion for me cannot be limited to money or value-creation measurements.”
Then he speaks to the things that are most valuable and lasting…
“The real and lasting measurement is whether the results of my leadership can be seen in the changed and improved lives of the people I led as they had the opportunity to grow and develop in their work and respond to the reality of God and His redeeming love for each one of them. We are all prisoners of our hope. It is our hope that sustains us. It is our vision of what could be that inspires us and those we lead.”
If you are currently in a leadership position, or you are about to assume one, the choice will be yours.
Will You Choose…
1. To courageously lead or mislead?
2. T0 love God and develop others or lust after something less?
3. To leave a legacy that will last?
4. How will you do it?
Would love to hear your comments and thoughts!