Wisdom. Do you need some as you live and lead this week? Wisdom is a critical need in uncertain times. It’s a pre-requisite and distinctive of leading different. Wisdom is also something we can seek and find. Here are five keys to help you lead with wisdom:
Here are five keys to help you lead with wisdom:
1. Ask for it – James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” This may seem basic, but much of life and leadership is about doing the basics well.
2. Get good information – Information is powerful. In crisis times, there is sometimes too much, not enough, rapidly changing or even false information. A leader needs to seek and find as much reliable information as possible in order to make good decisions. Sometimes paralysis can come from seeking too much information, but a strong base of information is critical when making important decisions.
3. Give your head the space it needs – Media and social media can be constant, addictive and overwhelming in times of uncertainty. To Lead Different, you need a clear head. If you are an internal processor, get some quiet space to think. Take a walk around the block to process. If you are an external processor, find some wise colleagues for processing out loud.
4. Invite input – Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Whom do you need to bring around you to help give perspective? There may be people with valuable insight who simply need an invitation to share it with you. Oftentimes, an outside set of eyes can help you see what you might not otherwise perceive regarding priorities, communications and practicalities.
5. Discern focus words – Imagine this situation or season is over. As you look back on this challenging time, what are the words or phrases you would like to be able to say about how you or your team handled it? Take some time to identify these words and phrases. Then use them as filter and focus words for your decisions and actions. For instance, if “bless and serve” is a set of your ideal focus words, ask yourself how you can “bless and serve” in this moment or decision.
Cheering you on to Lead Different in these uncertain times,
Dr. Steve Brown
President, Arrow Leadership
P.S. We are here for you and standing with you! Here are a few resources and supports available right now:
COVID-19 Toolkit – This free toolkit provides timely, practical and biblically-anchored help for you, your team and your organization. Topics include: Finding Courage in the Midst of Uncertainty, Opportunities in the Midst of Crisis, Three Tips for Crisis Communication and the list goes on. Please share with your teams and colleagues! You can access here: https://www.arrowleadership.org/covid-resources/
Prayer – Our team is praying each day, and we would love to pray for you! Simply send us your prayer requests and know that we are on it! Use prayer@arrowleadership.org to send us your prayer request.