To the Point – by Carson Pue

In 2008 I took a sabbatical from To the Point after seven years of monthly missives. Now I am back with a new leadership thought monthly scheduled for the first of every month. I am ready for us to walk through the coming year together ˆ addressing our leadership challenges arm in arm.

I used time in 2008 to work on two books I hope to finish soon ˆ one is a 52-week devotional prayer guide for leaders that you helped inspire. You see I have taken a weekly theme from To the Point articles that received the most response and have written a prayer with it for leaders to help focus our week. You will be among the first to know when it is published.

To the Point is written about what I am going through as a leader in real time. I pray that in a small way it will allow us to lead together.

These first days of 2009 are already Œinteresting‚ days for us as leaders. A sense of moral indignation grows as we read about those who have allowed greed to push for ever-greater profits and exploited the weak. The question, „What does it profit to gain the whole world and suffer the loss of your soul?‰ (Mark 8:36) circles in my thoughts and I want to blame someone, while I know that greed pops up in my life too.

I know, some of you are thinking that saying 2009 is Œinteresting‚ is a euphemism for wild, terrifying and exhausting! Revenue is down in most sectors, and the sense of responsibility for all our staff and families weighs heavy. Some organizations simply will not be in the phonebook in three years. What a time to be the leader!

There are several responses leaders take during downturn times. Some are just tired and wonder if they are up for the journey. Others buckle in and work harder – frenetically trying to find a way through this. Still others slip on the downward slope of depression and take it out on their team and families with behavior that is not their normal style or pattern. Leaders can get caught up in looking for shortcuts or quick solutions knowing deep within that it is unlikely we will find an easy solution that does not involve pain at some level.

In other moments – often quiet moments – leaders feel fear and insecurity. This pushes us to look at ourselves. Does insecurity make me more self-seeking and less caring about the needs of others? Or does this worldwide turmoil strengthen my compassion?

Perhaps this downturn might lead you and I to a deeper dependence on God? Let‚s challenge ourselves to allow generosity to coexist with what we are feeling and share it as a rare grace with those around us.

To the point,

Carson

Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. (Matt. 12:43)

Click here to download Dr. Pue’s PDF notes on Leaders and Fear from a recent CCN broadcast.