Ministry Leaders Update 12-21-07

Leader’s Page: Blind Spots (Notes from John Maxwell) - Part 3

One last Blind Spot – A Lack of Character

Character is what God can always see, but may be hidden by us and, for a time, hidden to others.
Character protects our talent. “Character doesn’t make us a leader. Character protects us as a leader”

Many people with talent make it into the limelight, but the ones who have neglected to develop strong character rarely stay there long. The absence of strong character eventually topples talent. Why? Because people cannot climb beyond the limitations of their character.
• Talented people may feel superior and expect special privileges. Character helps them to know better.
• Talented people are praised for what others see them build. Character builds what’s inside them.
• Talented people have the potential to be difference makers. Character makes a difference for them.
• Talented people are often a gift to the world. Character protects that gift.

A story of Mahatma Gandhi:

In his book American Scandal, Pat Williams tells about Gandhi’s trip to England to speak to Parliament. The British government had opposed Indian independence and Gandhi, one of its most vocal proponents, had often been threatened, arrested, and jailed as a result. Gandhi spoke eloquently and passionately for nearly two hours, then received a standing ovation. After the speech, a reporter asked Gandhi’s assistant how the Indian leader had been able to deliver such a speech without any notes.

“You don’t understand Gandhi,” Desai responded. “You see, what he thinks is what he feels. What he feels is what he says. What he says is what he does. What Gandhi feels, what he thinks, what he says, and what he does are all the same. He does not need notes.”

Character is the sum total of all our everyday choices.

How do we remove the blind spot?

1. Assume That You Have a Blind Spot. If you don’t assume that you have a blind spot, that is your blind spot!
2. Ask Those Who Know You Best to Identify Your Blind Spot. If you’re married, your spouse probably has a pretty good clue!
3. Openly Discuss Your Blind Spots with Your Inner Circle. Give permission to others who care about you and whom you trust to speak truthfully into your life.
4. Assume Your Blind Spots Cannot Be Removed By You. By definition, a blind spot is: “An area in the lives of people in which they continually do not see themselves or their situation realistically”.
5. Develop, Empower and Value the People Who Point Out and Help Cover Your “Blind Spots”.

May we all see more clearly as we move into the New Year!

Dan Bickel
Wisconsin District Superintendent