“Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bear bad fruit–and man is his own gardener” (Watson, 1951, p. 170).

I appreciated James Lane Allen’s excerpt found on pages 169-174. Allen drew a powerful comparison between the human mind and a garden; by using the metaphors of plants, seeds and soil and relating it to the mind and thoughts and how they produce actions (Watson, 1951, pp. 169-171).

Personally, I do not agree with Allen’s emphasis on “divinity within ourselves”, as I think we can know the “divine” and God can dwell within us, but not that we ourselves are divine (Watson, 1951, p. 171).

I do agree that thoughts are powerful and will affect our actions and the outcome of our lives (Watson, 1951, p. 171). Since thoughts produce actions, it is important for a leader to guard their minds and their thoughts. As Allen says, “a man is literally what he thinks, his character being the complete sum of his thoughts” (Watson, 1951, p. 170).

Overall, the leadership lesson I learned, is that an individual’s character and the thoughts that result will influence their personal achievements and impact as a leader, either positively or negatively (Watson, 1951, pp. 169-174).

Personally, in my own leadership there have been times when I have been very discouraged and the actions of my life and leadership have reflected that mindset.  I also have had times where my mindset has been based in fear, which has come out in anxiety and trying to control things and people. To be honest, I sometimes regret those times in my leadership when my mindset was not “right” and produced “bad fruit”, as it affected other staff members and students. I am thankful for God’s grace, the patience and understanding of others, and that I can learn and grow from those times.

Currently, I am in a season where I am experiencing joy in my work and have grown a stronger mindset in leadership. This has been a result of an intense season of personal  suffering and through it I powerfully experienced God with me. I have grown a stronger resolve and a better perspective on who I am and my place in the world. Though I am nowhere near perfect, I have seen a change in my character, because of the work of Jesus in my life; producing joy, hope, and steadfastness. Without Jesus, I know in my natural self I would still be feeling discouraged and hopeless, as it was such a difficult time.

As a leader, it is important to regularly reflect, assess and analyze “the fruit” of your leadership and the impact you are having on others. As Allen says, “Act is the blossom of thought, and joy and sufferings are its fruits”(Watson, 1951, p. 170). This makes me ask, “What of my actions are having an impact on others,  either positively or negatively, and what thoughts motivated those actions?” It is important to keep in mind, that sometimes leaders have to make hard decisions or voice difficult things, that first seem negative, but actually in the larger perspective are positive and produce growth.

A great way to evaluate your character, thoughts and resulting actions as a leader is to consistently ask for honest feedback from the people you work with or lead. Also the most telling relationships to your character are those you are closest with, a partner, spouse, parents, siblings, friends or even a boss or co-worker you are close with. Ask them where they think you could grow in your character? You could even ask them what you are like to live with or work with?

A verse in the Bible, that reminds me this lesson is Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NIV),

“Blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Questions to reflect on:

  1. Take an honest look at your personal life and leadership, what kind of fruit are you bearing? Ask others for feedback.
  2. How do your actions portray the nature of your character and thoughts? 
  3. Do you want to change, yes or no? If yes, what do you need to do to change? If no, what are the consequences of that decision?

Monica

 

Header photo: pexels.com by Kaboompics.com shared under Pexels (BY) license.

References

Watson, L.E. (1951). Light from Many Lamps. New York: Simon and Schuster.