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“Clear thinking means submitting your mind to any new reality.”

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?

Yes, yes!
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