Lead Differently - Have a Vision that is Big Enough

In the middle of COVID, a parent came up to me and said, "I don't agree with your perspective on this mess, but I do appreciate that you have one."

It was a light bulb moment.

Leaders must have a perspective. A vision. It must be big. It must be more than what your team is accomplishing now.

Leaders must make all their decisions to move the team towards that vision. It seems self-evident, yes. Amazingly, though, it's rare to see in action.

It requires communication skills that border on ninja skills. You have to disagree agreeably. You have to speak directly, with compassion. You have to honor the dignity of each individual while redirecting to the language and behaviors required by your vision.

You have to believe that good wins out...always...and that the greater good is around the corner, closer than others could ever imagine.

Leaders can't focus on the constant doubt others have of themselves that they redirect onto institutions and their leaders...without Faith. Without love.

And, clearly, no Faith + no Love = Despair and Institutional Decline.

This is not just words. It is tangible. A culture that is gripped by despair and in decline is painful to experience.

All of it requires intentional action, intentional engagement...Coaching, mentoring, listening. Patience...knowing our better selves are always within reach.

To lead differently, you must engage others with humility...and the confidence of knowing your vision

is big enough...expandable enough...to hold the hopes and dreams of all of our better selves, not our selves as we are now.

It is the restoration of hope that heals.

Lead differently. Lead as he led.