I can remember in college there were times after that first class that I would think, “What have I gotten myself into?” I would consider dropping the class and picking up another course, but mostly I just got temporarily depressed about how hard it would be. Over time I learned to appreciate these classes the most. I learned that it was when I felt challenged, or up against a wall, that I came out learning the most about myself. So by the time my Senior year in college rolled around and I learned that I would have to submit two 100+ page research papers for my Business Policy class; I actually looked forward to the challenge. It wasn’t easy, but I was better for it when it was all said and done.
Now I’m 10 years removed from that time of my life, but I still seek out challenges. I personally define a challenge as something that I need to do, but I will have to learn how to do it during the process. A true challenge is something that I’m not fully qualified to complete before starting, but when I’m done I’ll be there. Make sense?
So as a leader, pastor, father, and boss I’m in the position of bringing some challenge to those around me. It’s a fanstatically scary role to play in people’s lives. Putting people into positions they may have never volunteered for, but I see potential for growth in that area. Here are some questions I’ve been asking myself:
- How many challenges can each person take?
- Is it my job to put people in certain positions that they need to be in, but may not feel comfortable doing?
- How do I find that place where I want someone to be uncomfortable, but not wanting them to be miserable?
- How much of their ‘personality’ keeps them from being who God needs them to be?
- How many more conversations do I need to have before putting someone into a new leadership area?
- Do I really see potential in this person, or am I just wanting them to be this for me?
