1 question every leader should ask themselves every day
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Over and over again I have heard people say, "I can't." Sometimes it's in response to a question or an opportunity, but more often than not it is in response to a challenge.
I don't know about you, but I cannot stand that phrase. It isn't because it sounds bad or is too short, but because of what it communicates. Often this phrase is followed up with a "because" statement.
When I was in bootcamp, I was this person. When I was met with certain challenges, before even attempting to overcome them, I told myself that I simply could not do it. Over and over again I quit when things got difficult.
I had accepted that I probably wasn't going to survive bootcamp; I would never become a Marine because I wasn't good enough. But one of my drill Instructors saw more in me then I saw in myself. Every step of the way he pushed me, drove me to take one more step or to try one more time. He often encouraged me to think about the challenge from a different perspective. Instead of allowing me to lie to myself, he showed me I just needed to dig deeper, to think from a different angle, and to try something different.
What I have come to realize is that "I can't" usually has more to do with a hurdle that someone believes they cannot overcome rather their physical inability or desire to achieve something. As a leader, this is where I have the best opportunity to help someone grow and to see they are more equipped, prepared, and able than they may be giving themselves credit for or believe themselves to be.
Am I allowing them to give into their excuses, or am I creating opportunities?
This is the moment that all leaders should be waiting for, should be looking for, and be willing to jump at when it arises. This is the moment when we get to help others see past challenges and opposition and grow through them. Every leader should be asking themselves, "Am I allowing them to give into their own excuses, or am I creating opportunities?"
Excuses will always stop someone from growing. As their leader, you get to help them rewrite the narrative. You get to remove barriers, reword challenges, and help them to see that the obstacles that they face are really their best opportunities for success. By removing barriers and creating opportunities, you can be the one that shows your team that they are stronger than they give themselves credit for and that they can surmount the obstacles.
When David faced Goliath, he did it with a handful of stones. Those around him thought he could never win. He was a kid with nothing but a slingshot. But with a single stone he brought down one of the biggest enemies that his people had ever faced (1 Samuel 17). He created an opportunity where others gave into their excuses.
This is a choice you will have to make too. Will you allow your team to give in to their excuses, or will you help them create opportunities?
 | Sean Lord is a pastor, husband, and father. He enjoys writing about leadership, theology, and ministry. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and currently pastors at one of the largest churches in the U.S. He spends much of his time mentoring and coaching pastors as well as leaders outside of the church. Learn More » |
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