Wednesday, September 10, 2008

a good reminder

I'm re-reading Andy Stanley's book, The Next Generation Leader. Section three blew my doors off (again). It's about clarity and how vital it is to leading well. Here are a few nuggets from section three that I needed to be reminded of:

  • I need to be clear even when I'm not certain. The only thing I can be certain of is the past--everything from this moment on is a guess. Once I acknowledge that, I'll be free to make decisions with limited information.
  • I must recognize that clarity of vision is more important than certainty of outcome. Every great accomplishment began as an idea that stood in contrast to someone's current reality. In the beginning there is always enough uncertainty to shut down a vision...that's why leadership is needed.
  • Clarity is perceived as leadership. Clarity creates its own influence and its own momentum. The person that paints the clearest picture will ultimately be viewed as the leader.
  • One of the worst things I can do as a leader is to pretend I have all the answers.
  • Flexibility is key. Uncertainty, no doubt, will wreak havoc with our plans but I can't allow it to derail our vision. As Andy puts it: Pencil in your plans...etch the vision in stone.

What have you learned about leadership lately?

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