Go where its going
May 24, 2006
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I can see how this applies in commercial companies, but can it work also for caring vocations such as pastoring, counselling, and social service work? Or is it an unfair layering of hard-nosed entrepreneurship over not-for-profit?
Drucker's genius is his ability to clue into the relentless forward movement of life, time, and the universe as we age, grow and change. Let me go so far as to say his words have a familiar biblical ring. The Israelites, a few days out of Egypt, trapped by water in front and Egyptian troops behind, cried to Moses for help. His not surprising instruction was, "Stand still and see the hand of God." The Lord retorted: "What in the world are you doing"—my words—"Move on." It was only in their walk of faith, pushing from here to there that the Lord would be as they needed. Leaders, we too get stuck. Faculty, the students you teach will not be the same tomorrow as they are today. Counsellor, your clients hurts will be different tomorrow. Pastor, your congregation—that looks to you to lead—is living in a world of constant change Helping others to see beyond now is an important part of our calling. The status quo disfigures, disables. Wayne Gretsky, arguably the greatest of all hockey players, when asked of his prowess responded, "I never go where the puck is. I go to where it is going to be." Prayer-- Timekeeper, The One Who is Never Trapped in a Moment, may there be a disquiet in my spirit that keeps me from being stuck. Free me from platitudes of what I think you will do, and instead may I hear your voice calling so I too will lead as one willing to risk. Amen. |
"In business the successful companies are not those that work at developing new products for their existing line but those that aim at innovating new products for new business." |