When the hard truths of life and eternity need to be spoken, you can always depend upon a preacher to pierce through the many layers of our self-deception. Although the pulpit offers an excellent vantage point to deliver messages of truth, hope, love and forgiveness, on a more practical level, we as leaders can be just as effective to inspire and change hearts that are burdened with heavy loads. The passage describing Phillip Brooks (1951) sums up the basis of all moral and ethical principles in human relations which is to “do unto others as you would have others do unto you” (p. 186). As he imparts a moment of deep reflection and clarity, Brooks calls out those unbending, stubborn and hardened hearts of his congregation to become what love represents – a people that forgives and forgets.
In leadership, there are times where truth must be defended out loud, even in times of great peril and personal loss. We only need to refer to countless martyred heroes in, and outside the church to understand the power of spoken word whether it communicates vision, wisdom and empathy. One voice can change the very air we breathe; however, as leaders in our own individual realms, I believe that the degree of sensitivity in our delivery can amplify the measure of inspiration, influence and impact we have upon others. Brooks (1951) finds “just the right combination of words to inspire his listeners” and pulls them out of the mire of selfishness to consider how short life really is in the midst of hanging onto grievances, grudges and resentments (p. 200). Is the right choice of words easy for some? Yes, but for most in leadership like myself, fear can take hold leaving us wishing we had said nothing at all in the first place. When Brooks (1951) says “Life is too short to be vengeful or malicious. Life is too short to be petty or unkind”, he wants his followers to experience the joy and opportunity in each other once the past is finally let go of (p. 200).
Ultimately, upholding truth surrounded by those that deny it, can be a lonely place; however, like Brooks, I can see what the other side looks like when helping others let go of their hurts and hang-ups. This message of hope is less about the burdens shed, but the exponential increase in opportunities for growth individually and collectively once tolerance and understanding puts the past in its shadow. This resonates with me specifically as it relates to where I place my focus in terms of leading others. Without exploring and fine tuning what is holding others back first, all the proactive leadership approaches or styles in the world may simply fall on deaf ears and be wasteful, or worse even offensive.
Matt
Brooks, P. (1951). The time is short! In L. E. Watson, Light from Many Lamps (pp. 198-203). New York: Simon & Schuster.
Northouse, P. G. (2016). Leadership: theory and practice (Seventh ed.). Los Angeles: Sage Publications.