A thought by John Townsend from his
book, Leading From Your Gut (p. 62). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. (Click
on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)
I know, I know that looking at a new
idea is difficult for some. It really
is, but it could make a difference.
John says, “Related to holding
opposing thoughts in tension is the ability to change and adapt when the facts
dictate it. The best leaders know that reality is larger than they are, so they
don’t mind taking a different course when there is new information. Clear
thinking means submitting your mind to any new reality.”
He goes on, “I was working in my
office and needed to use a piece of computer equipment I’d left at home. I
called one of my teenage sons and, knowing he was busy with school activities,
offered him ten dollars to stop what he was doing and bring me the equipment.
Since it was a thirty-minute round-trip drive, it sounded reasonable to me. He
said, ‘I’ll do it for fifteen dollars.’ I didn’t mind that response. I didn’t
play the guilt card or the ‘you owe your dad’ card because I have talked to my
sons a lot about money, time, and negotiation. I just said thanks but no thanks
and hung up. Then I called his brother and left him a voice mail with the same
request. I had a backup, having two sons who can drive.
“About a minute later, the first son
called me back and said, ‘I’ll do it for ten dollars.’
“‘Great,’ I said. ‘Why the change of
heart?’
“‘When I hung up, I asked Mom if you
were trying to teach me a lesson on negotiation,’ he said. ‘Mom said, ‘“No,
he’s going to call your brother.”’” My wife understood the situation clearly.
And my son quickly adapted to the new information and made the necessary
changes.”
John then said, “Leaders who think
will need the ability to admit when they are wrong or should change direction.
Those who insist that the original plan is the only plan are often at risk. You
instill doubt in people with that stance, and you instill trust in people when
you adapt to new realities.”
That is very, very good. That is a very productive thing to
do, isn’t it?
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