Observation: Well, the winning streak had to end sometime. After two successive generations of unity and prosperity, founded by David's ambition and enriched by Solomon's wisdom, we get Solomon's son Rehoboam. Jeroboam comes with all Israel and asks Rehoboam to lighten their taxes and forced labor. Rehoboam's most seasoned advisors say "Yeah, we think you'd better do it." Who needs seasoned advisors anyway? Nobody tells Rehoboam what to do. So he does the opposite. More taxes. Increased penalties. The other ten tribes revolt. Goodbye, United Kingdom. Nice while it lasted...
Application: Yeesh. Leadership fail. I see many parallels in the news here, but they could get me into trouble, and the bottom line is they wouldn't be that edifying anyway. Scripture is not there to point out the foibles of others. We do a pretty good job at that on our own. Scripture is there to help us see the log in our own eye, not the speck in our neighbor's. So here it is.
We have each acted like Rehoboam before. We have heard honest, candid feedback from people we are working with, people who have been around the block once or twice, and know the terrain. And we have utterly dismissed it. They're just out of touch. They don't understand what we're trying to do. They're just whiners. They won't be happy no matter what I do. This is my time now. I was tasked with leadership, not them. Forget them.
Here's the thing: if you've ever been in the position of having to give honest feedback to a leader or a boss who may react negatively, you know: people do not do this lightly. It takes a lot of courage and gumption to speak the truth to power, and if it were not a big deal, you wouldn't bring it up.
So I'm speaking to myself as much as anyone else in leadership when I say: we need to listen. Really, truly listen. Not nod your head and wait for the other person to stop talking so you can tell them why you're right. But actually create a space in your mind and heart for their experience. Think about what it must have taken for them to come to you in the first place. And honor their commitment.
The words you hear may not change your course of action. It may be that you will still need to do what you were planning to do. But you will do it differently, knowing its impact on others. And you will be ready to bear with them and offer more support and care for them through it. In human kingdoms there are winners and losers, some get their way and others don't. In God's kingdom, the way we look for together is God's way. And the whole creation wins.
Prayer. God, open our ears. Help us listen for what is said and what isn't. Make us bold, to actively ask for the feedback we know will hurt. Help us place your mission above our shoes and our feelings. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment