Glenn’s Space: Stepping into a Future of What Could Be

I am inspired by words of James M. Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner: “Leaders are pioneers. They are people who venture into unexplored territory. They guide us to new and often unfamiliar destinations. People who take the lead are the foot soldiers in the campaigns for change…The unique reason for having leaders, their differentiating function, is to move forward. Leaders get us someplace.”

Remember the words of King Solomon as written in the Book of Proverbs, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Sometimes, even a vision isn’t enough.

God sent Moses to deliver the Israelites from captivity in Egypt. Now, Moses wasn’t excited about the idea but agreed, with God’s help, to lead His people into the Promised Land. A well-orchestrated escape plan worked beautifully and as the people approached the Promised Land, spies were sent ahead to check out the situation. One man from each of the 12 tribes was chosen to represent them on the scouting excursion.

The Israelites anxiously awaited their return and report. The scouting summary prompted chaos. Ten spies saw giants who would crush them like helpless grasshoppers. Jacob and Caleb, on the other hand, saw a land “flowing with milk and honey.”

“Let’s do it,” they encouraged. “You’re crazy,” said the others. The majority won and because of their fear, the people died in the wilderness—except two. Joshua and Caleb entered the Promised Land.

God had already promised the Israelites safe entry. Yet, with a guaranteed vision clearly before them, the Israelites chose to follow their self-imposed limitations. How sad! Such opportunities are also overlooked today because leaders lack the faith and determination to pursue a vision and they are slowly perishing.

“One essential ingredient for being an original in the day of copies is courageous vision,” declared Charles Swindoll. As you envision the ideal future for your organization, be ready to endure criticism, skepticism, and downright humiliation. Not everyone loves leaders who are attempting to create something special.

People must be willing to give up ‘what is’ to experience ‘what could be.’

But oh, how difficult it can be to move from the comfort of where I am into the unknown – especially if there are perceived hazards.

The Israelites were guaranteed success, but when a few people became fearful of what “could be,” the majority hung on to what they had, and perished.

Before we can build great teams or organizations or future, we need to vividly imagine them and believe beyond a shadow of a doubt that our vision is achievable.

Every day in some small or flagrant way, people face individuals or groups who oppose any thought that challenges their present world. One noticeable quality of visionaries is their refusal to listen to the short-sighted doomsayers who could only see as far as the first obstacle.

Max DuPree, legendary former chairman of Herman Miller and author of the influential book “Leadership Is an Art,” offers great advice to leaders: “When it comes to vision and value, you have to say it over and over and over again until people get it right, right, right!”

Questions to Ponder:

How can I regroup the troops and get them headed toward the desired future?

Who are the team members most likely to help us get there? How can I encourage them?

Do I have team members who might sabotage our move into the future? What position will I take with them?