Today, a real man cried for the first time in twelve years. Today, another man came face to face with his fear of death. He’s not afraid of dying, mind you – he’s just afraid of getting fired. Today, another client told me he thinks I don’t know what I’m talking about and why do I always put words in his mouth and negative thoughts in his head. Today, I’ve come to believe, is a fairly normal day in my life’s work. I’ve learned to not take myself too seriously and I’ve learned to understand the magic in my favorite verse in the Bible – John 8:32. In this verse Jesus has some ccd magic for his followers.”And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
Everyday in the work of BTL I attempt to speak and listen “truth in LOVE.” It is rare the teams I’m practicing with hear what I want them to. Oftentimes they hear something else playing in their head and mix it with the message coming from me. Sometimes they are hurting to such a degree they hear nothing from my mouth. And, sometimes I use too many words, share them too fast, deliver them too passionately, and cause confusion instead of clarity. Sometimes I make a mess myself.
Here’s what I know. I’ve found peace in this. My aim is to master the work of building leaders and building teams with deep, hard earned trust. The kinda trust that leads to unity. I do not measure my success by the words of praise or poison. Each week, I look back and write about what the work itself tells me. My aim is mastery and I’m miles from it. So, each week, I’m writing where I can get better and kicking my own to kick it up more than a notch. I demand the most of myself and then those closest to me. The peace comes from my focus on mastering the work, not worrying about what others think. This has been the hardest mental gymnastics for my mind. I want very much to be liked and esteemed for such. However, speaking truth does not yield much of either.
Someday, however, it will set me free. I love marrying this thought. Today, a few clients had a lightbulb go on. I didn’t flip their switch but my questions got them to. God, help me master this work and realize my role, my role, my role.
Happy 4th to all that made it this far. It is good to be free. It is good to be free. Thanks to all in this great country of ours who have, are, or will continue to fight for what we so easily take for granted. Freedom, remember, is not free. Someday, however. Someday…
BUILT TO LEAD 