It’s a messy Monday morning in east Tennessee. Had it not been Presidents Day, local administrators would have likely cancelled school due to snow and ice on the roads. We’ve had a number of days like that recently. School cancellations seem to be an invitation for naysayers and second-guessers to criticize decision-makers.
I personally do not envy those who make decisions for schools, businesses, churches, governments, or any other organization. Successful organizations need good leaders, and good leaders are often molded on the crucible of difficult decisions. They make decisions when others would avoid doing so. They make decisions knowing that some people will not understand all of the reasons why. They make decisions regardless of how well they’ll be received. Nonetheless, they make decisions.
Decision-making demands a one-of-a-kind perspective. Sometimes we’re tempted to look outside our window and assume that school should be in session because our roads are clear. School administrators must consider ALL roads. Football fans love playing Monday Morning Quarterback, but few of them have felt the pressure of making split-second, gameday decisions. Second-guessers enjoy the advantage of hindsight when the pressure is off, the stakes are low, and unforeseen consequences are evident.
Beyond leadership, successful organizations need something else. Good followers. Yes, there is such a thing as poor leadership. But good leadership is of value only when others are willing to follow. In the context of the church, the Bible says it this way – “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Hebrews 13:17).
Good leaders give an account for so many things. Good followers appreciate the reality that their leaders must give account. Leaders, may God bless you in your leadership, especially when making tough calls. Followers, may we bless our organizations by supporting and encouraging those who make the tough calls.
I personally do not envy those who make decisions for schools, businesses, churches, governments, or any other organization. Successful organizations need good leaders, and good leaders are often molded on the crucible of difficult decisions. They make decisions when others would avoid doing so. They make decisions knowing that some people will not understand all of the reasons why. They make decisions regardless of how well they’ll be received. Nonetheless, they make decisions.
Decision-making demands a one-of-a-kind perspective. Sometimes we’re tempted to look outside our window and assume that school should be in session because our roads are clear. School administrators must consider ALL roads. Football fans love playing Monday Morning Quarterback, but few of them have felt the pressure of making split-second, gameday decisions. Second-guessers enjoy the advantage of hindsight when the pressure is off, the stakes are low, and unforeseen consequences are evident.
Beyond leadership, successful organizations need something else. Good followers. Yes, there is such a thing as poor leadership. But good leadership is of value only when others are willing to follow. In the context of the church, the Bible says it this way – “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you” (Hebrews 13:17).
Good leaders give an account for so many things. Good followers appreciate the reality that their leaders must give account. Leaders, may God bless you in your leadership, especially when making tough calls. Followers, may we bless our organizations by supporting and encouraging those who make the tough calls.
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