Category: Light From Many Lamps

Light from Many Lamps – Response to Monica Grace

December 3, 2018 / principalmorrow / 0 Comments

In her blog, Monica pens an honest and open reflection and response to Robert Browning. Monica, thank you for your open thoughts about your journey. Through disappointment, the influence of immediate circumstances and the encouragement of your team member, it is great to see that you have been able to maintain an eternal perspective to your life and to your work.

So many times as I consider leadership, the parallels between leadership and parenting seem really direct to me. I am continually interacting with parents of teenagers who are wondering how on earth their 16 year old is going to move past their current stage to become an successful adult. Several years ago, I heard valuable advice about parenting and that is, it doesn’t stop. If we extend our expectation of guidance for our children from completing some time after 30 rather than at 18 then it gives us the ability to deal with the challenges of a 16 year old. Changing the time frame enables a broader perspective to help in times of challenge. There are so many times when reflecting on leadership challenges can be helped by applying this same type of thinking.

As you experience the upcoming ministry transition I encourage you to continue to consider a longer time frame. Browning’s words about seeking and seeing the whole design while putting your complete trust in God (Watson, 1951) were well chosen.

May you be continually blessed and encouraged as you seek to see the whole picture.

Grace, M. (2018). Seeing the whole picture: Light from many lamps. retrieved from https://create.twu.ca/monicagrace/2018/11/30/light-from-many-lamps-unit-10/

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

Light from many lamps – part 9, Cicero

November 29, 2018 / principalmorrow / 0 Comments

During the height of the Roman republic, and the reign of Julius Caesar, Cicero was ending his time of public service and as an 84 year old man wrote his reflections on old age. He writes about how each age of life has something which should be enjoyed in its own time. He declares that old age must be fought against by staying fit, healthy and being young at heart. In this way a person may possibly become an old man in body but not an old man in mind (Watson, 1951. p. 262).

In the naivety of a young parent, as my first child was born, I couldn’t wait for what came next. I wanted him to sleep through the night, then I wanted him to eat solid food, and then be out of diapers, and then to start school, eventually I couldn’t wait until he was old enough to stay home on his own; and then it happened. I no longer wanted time to race forward, I don’t want him to drive, or to graduate from high school just yet. The passage of time seems to be much more palpable and I would like to reach out and hold it back.

If I am honest, my experience as a leader has been similar at times. There were times when I thought that once the school has reached this milestone or the next, then it will be the way I want it. If this thinking defines my experience though, I will end up missing out on the many incredible things that are taking place now in my organization. It is important that I seek to enjoy the present time as I work to toward the future. It is also important to enjoy the present and make the most of it so that I do not look back on some future day only to realize that I have missed out on enjoying life as it was.

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

Response to Jgarland- Light from many lamps

November 28, 2018 / principalmorrow / 0 Comments

In his recent blog Garland (2018) discusses the necessity to step out of the crazy current of the river of life. Garland’s response is prompted by a reflection of Thoreau’s call to solitude (Watson, 1988). Garland shares that only through the pursuit of solitude is it possible to gain the space to recognize that in really seeking Christ, we will find all we really need.

With constant demand on time and dollar and with the recognition that other organizations are constantly pushing forward, it is too easy to be swept up in seeking more. If we do not push forward ourselves then perhaps we fear that we will be left behind. Taking time to withdraw however should create space for reflection, renewal and balance. In this then we as leaders should maintain the steady pace required for the long journey. Despite the tyranny of the urgent, it is in focusing on the long journey that we are able to realize that we can actually, strategically find time and space for solitude. As Garland suggests, if we use that solitude to balance life in the hand of Christ then we know that we will be able to find our way forward while maintaining our own sense of being.

Reference

Watson, L. E. (1988) Light from many lamps New York, NY. Simon & Schuster

Garland, J (2018). Light from Many Lamps, Unit 8. [web log comment]. Retrieved from https://create.twu.ca/jgarland/2018/11/18/light-from-many-lamps-unit-8/

Light from Many Lamps – Simplify, simplify!

November 18, 2018 / principalmorrow / 1 Comment

Henry David Thoreau had the rare opportunity to withdraw from conventional life. He built a small cabin in the woods and examined the rich experience of living as simply as possible. Through his experience of removing all distraction he was able to slow down, remove the pressure of public opinion, and think about the meaning and purpose of life.

Many great thinkers have taken time to withdraw from the busyness of daily life. Jesus was chief among these, he frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray (Luke 5:16). Retreating in this way is important. Removing one’s-self from distraction to remain focused on identity, to clarify purpose, and simply to rest allows for success and balance. Staff retreats, board retreats, and family retreats provide this same important practice.

As I examine my own life, it is filled with family, friends, co-workers, students and a great many others. I find that these relationships provide the purpose for my effort. While life can become busy and complicated and require sometimes constant attention to remain focused on purpose, it would not be fulfilling if lived in another fashion. In as much as Thoreau had to withdraw for two years to determine the most real and valuable elements of living, there is something so sharp and real about remaining true to your character, centered on purpose, and being wholly focused on another person while at the end of a full and complex day or week. At a glance, I appreciate the exercise but ultimately find Thoreau’s retreat to be a privileged and selfish experiment void of the wealth found in relationship.

Ultimately, however Thoreau’s exhortation to seek simplicity (Watson, 1951 p. 234) is a lesson I will choose to hear. Life can quickly allow me to become buried in the details of the urgent or distracted by things which shouldn’t be important. Seeking to align my approach to the words of Paul speaking to the Philippians “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

How often or in what way do you take time to retreat?

Reference

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

Light From Many Lamps – To thine own self be true

November 3, 2018 / principalmorrow / 0 Comments

Timeless Words

From Act 1 Scene III of Hamlet, through the character Polonius, William Shakespeare speaks out sage advice. Make great friends and keep them, listen carefully to all before speaking, and finally for the benefit of yourself and others, be authentic (Shakespeare, 1951). Each of these pieces of advice are important for anyone in a leadership position.

It is often said that it can be lonely at the top. For the leader, developing a trusted team who is there to face challenges and celebrate victories. Formally, my leadership team exists of just me. In practice however, I have had the privilege of bringing a variety of people into leadership roles within the school. Several key teachers, admin assistants and the chairman of the board all work together as trusted members of my leadership team. As advice givers, listening ears, and problem solvers, I trust and value each one.

Polonius continues his advice as he challenges his son to be a good listener. “Give every man thy ear but few thy voice” (Shakespeare, line 68). As a leader this is so true. Whether I am working with students, staff, parents or board members there are times when the community simply needs a chance to be heard. Providing an opportunity for concerns or ideas to be voiced and then taking time to reflect, consider and strategize before responding is a healthy process. In this way, information comes forward but allows for wisdom to be applied. Even though I think well on my feet, delaying my response has often been a helpful practice.

Finally, the golden nugget, “To thine own self be true” (Shakespeare, 1951). For myself and for any leader, authenticity must be the hallmark of our work with people. While leadership often requires us to be all things to all people, we must not compromise our core values. At times I may need to work out of my comfort zone or balance fine lines socially and politically but I must must always be guided by three essential elements: the mission and vision of my organization, my faith in Christ, and the integrity of my character. To work outside the boundaries of these elements would be to drift toward my demise as a leader.

As these words reach forward through history to make an impact, I am inspired to ask, which timeless words do you reflect on as a leader?

Reference

Shakespeare, William, 1564-1616 author. (1951). The tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.. In L.E. Watson (Ed) Light From Many Lamps: a treasury of inspiration. New York, NY. Simon and Schuster.

Light from Many Lamps – Unit 4 – Franklin D.Roosevelt

October 19, 2018 / principalmorrow / 1 Comment

“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself” (Roosevelt, 1933).These ten powerful words struck a deep sense of ease and confidence into the heart and minds of millions who listened to Roosevelt’s inaugural speech. Roosevelt did have an economic strategy in mind to help lift the United States out of the Great Depression, but he did not open with “I have a plan”. Instead he spoke to a greater need than even the economic strife in the country, he spoke to the fear in the hearts of the people.

The leadership lesson revealed here is enormous. People like to know that there is a plan, I have never encountered a leader who seemed aimless and meandering who had strong support from his followers. More than a plan however, when times are challenging and difficult, people need to be recognized. For a leader, to both see and hear his people and speak to them about you and your before speaking about me, my and I is both profound and powerful. Other presidents followed Roosevelt’s lead and surprisingly even President Trump spoke during his inauguration for 549 words about “we,” and “our” before finally, well into his address, speaking word 550 was “I” (Trump, 2017). It is important for the leader to see his people and lay out the vision as something that will be accomplished by the whole group and for the whole group. I believe that this approach lays the foundation within an organizations for transformational leadership to take place.

For myself, I have the privilege of working with an amazing group of people who work tirelessly and selflessly without much complaint. I will remember this leadership lesson and ensure part of my practice is that people are both seen and heard as a means of carrying out my vision as a leader.

Roosevelt, F. (1933). In L.E. Watson (Ed) Light From Many Lamps: a treasury of inspiration. New York, NY. Simon and Schuster.

Trump, D. (2017). Inaugural Address. sourced from www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/the-inaugural-address/.

Light from many Lamps – Part One

October 2, 2018 / principalmorrow / 0 Comments

Dr. Fredrick Loomis received a letter containing eight words which changed his life. “Enjoy yourself – it is later than you think.” (Watson, 1951) Upon hearing these same words I immediately found myself reflecting as a spouse, a parent and as a leader. I have watched many people sink their whole self into their career, leaving little of themselves remaining for people, spontaneity or God’s subtle leading. In response, I decided as a young teacher that I would work to maintain a work/people balance. The need for this has been reinforced for me by authors such as Stephen Covey who speaks of balancing spokes of life, Dr. Richard Swenson who promotes margin in life and from my dad who continually reminds me that my children will grow up quickly, and they have.

As a leader, this story makes me aware that it is always important to make time for people, that a small gesture can go a long way, and like the lady who sent the letter, it is important to take the time to humbly speak words of wisdom into the life of someone who needs it. From a day to day perspective, if I allow myself to be consumed with the urgent email, phone call, budget report or meeting preparation, I may miss the opportunity to support a staff member who is having a challenging day. I may also miss the chance to celebrate the implementation of a new program, or I may not have the opportunity to say ” I saw what you did today, well done!” From a larger perspective, it is good to be reminded that I am replaceable, at least for a few days. Because of this, I should be able to make time to attend my children’s sporting activities, continue my education, or take a day to enjoy something that I never otherwise have time to do.

If I make a list of what is important to me, it would include my faith, family, church community, career, friendships and spending time in nature. If I was to make a list of where I spend most of my time, my thoughts, my energy, I would have two lists that were not in sync with each other. While I am paid to have my mind on things related to my profession this story has further encouraged me to work to keep these two lists in balance.

Covey, S.R. (2004). The 7 habits of highly successful people (Rev. Ed.) New York. Free Press

Loomis F. (1951) Enjoy Yourself – it is later than you think. In L.E. Watson (Ed) Light From Many Lamps: a treasury of inspiration. New York, NY. Simon and Schuster.

Swenson, R. A. (2004). Margin: restoring emotional, physical, financial, and time reserves to overloaded lives / Richard A. Swenson. Rev. ed. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress.