Every person is a leader. We all have influence with others.
But our leadership energy is finite. Current psychological studies tell us that we only have so much decision-making energy and once we use that up in any period of time, our energy tank for making decisions simply runs out. So how do we fill up our leadership fuel tank so our cup overflows?
Consider an ancient word of wisdom from Bernard of Clairvaux, a 12th century French abbot who worked as a reformer of the Cistercian order:
“The [one] who is wise, therefore, will see his life as more like a reservoir than a canal. The canal simultaneously pours out what it receives; the reservoir retains the water till it is filled, then discharges the overflow without loss to itself ... Today there are many...who act like canals, the reservoirs are far too rare ... You too must learnto await this fullness before pouring out your gifts, do not try to be more generous than God.”
You have a fiduciary responsibility to the people you serve to use your finite resources of leadership and influence for their highest and best use. How do you make sure your reservoir of good decision-making influence is constantly getting replenished?
Consider the practice of one of the most influential leaders of history:
But now, even more, the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray. (Luke 5:15-16)
We must view our vocations like professional athletes who practice (fill their reservoirs) a lot more than actually perform on the field or court.
Michael Smith is a co-founder of DecisionGrid.
