What it Takes to Lead and What Hinders Leaders

The things that make good headlines attract our attention because they are on the surface of the stream of life, and they distract our attention from the slower, impalpable, imponderable movements that work below the surface and penetrate to the depths. But of course it is really these deeper, slower movements that, in the end, make history, and it is they that stand out huge in retrospect, when the sensational passing events have dwindled, in perspective, to their true proportions. Arnold Toynbee

Dr. Ranier's research also found the many leaders have another weakness: A lack of patience. Many say they are so "Task Oriented" that they simply cannot slow down and plan what they are doing.

When I was working as a rough-neck in the oil fields of southern Illinois and southern Indiana I had an experience that remains burned into my memory. The "Driller" had mistaking chosen to place the rig on the side of a hill so it was slightly off balance. This meant that every them we tried to start a new drill the rack would hang straight down while the hole was crooked.

My partners on the floor were restless, impatient and full of energy. When the pipe hung on the side of the hole they would cuss it and kick it while I stood by and suggested that we carefully edge the 60 foot steel pipe into the hole and straighten it after it had started into the hole.

Benjamin and Freddy looked at me like I was an alien and cussed me as well as the two tons of pig iron. "You smart _____ college guys think you know so much. You just want to talk not work." I laughed. These guys thought that hyperactive anger was a mark of hard work even if the job was never accomplished and the rig and crew were all beaten up.

Many pastors have the same attitude. Their motto is, "Go faster!" As long as they are busy it seems as though progress is being made. Impatience can be a strength as well. Far too many churches essentially grind to a halt and rarely ever accomplish any task. However, any task that does not help accomplish your mission and vision is worse than worthless. A worthless task is one that is fun or relaxing but has no other payoff. One that actually takes us away from our goal and mission is destructive.

Arnold Toynbee said:

The things that make good headlines attract our attention because they are on the surface of the stream of life, and they distract our attention from the slower, impalpable, imponderable movements that work below the surface and penetrate to the depths.

But of course it is really these deeper, slower movements that, in the end, make history, and it is they that stand out huge in retrospect, when the sensational passing events have dwindled, in perspective, to their true proportions.

The old administrative adage is: Plan your work then work your plan.

I help a lot of leaders understand their strengths and weaknesses and how to recruit others who compliment them so they together make a well-rounded team. An impatient leader needs a good planner. A slow plodder needs a visionary. Creative types need those who follow through.
"Even the Lone Ranger needed Tonto."