Every Tuesday morning, our team gathers together for a weekly leadership meeting. Every part of the company is represented, and we rotate who leads the meeting each week to keep it fresh.
Prior to that discussion, everyone turns in a weekly report to each other, which is designed to update and inform, so that the meeting can be focused on high-priority items to discuss, debate, and highlight. This report starts with something they are thankful for (gotta start with gratitude) and then goes into: items to celebrate, decisions that need to be made, things needed from others, agenda items to discuss, updates on top priorities, and any high-level data or stats the team needs. It's expected that these are distributed and read by Monday AM, so when we meet, we can dive into the juicy stuff.
I always find it so interesting how different people respond to the same situation differently. Toss a conflict grenade into the room, and we always get a multitude of responses. Some come out swinging, some withdraw completely, others ask questions calmly, some are immediately on the defense, protecting their turf, some get offended, and yet still others are not even paying attention enough to know there's a debate. It's wild.
Think about the meeting Jesus called as he wound down his time on Earth. He kicked it off with one of the greatest leadership lessons of all time. He washed his disciples' feet, dirty, sweaty, dust and dung-covered feet. Now that's a tone setter for sure. Later in the meeting, he excuses Judas from the table to go and complete his assignment. Basically, he triggered his own death as Judas sold him out. Finally, at the after-party, the mob shows up, and Jesus heals a boy's ear after Peter grabs his sword and takes a swing. Same situation, three very different responses.
Jesus replied, "You don't understand now what I am doing, but someday you will." (John 13:7)
Who are you in the story? The leader who shows up putting his teammates first, even at his own humiliation or peril? The one who spends the whole time thinking about what's in it for me, not really caring about the mission as long as he gets paid? How about the one who always overreacts out of emotion, swinging their sword every which way before even thinking?
How you respond in challenging situations will make all the difference. Your ability to influence others starts with trust and is activated by humility and courage. Think about how you typically respond or react in the face of conflict or difficulty. Decide how you want to. Build structures for yourself to help you respond in the way you desire instead of your emotions deciding for you. It's your choice.
Judas reached for a money bag, Peter reached for a sword, and Jesus reached for a towel. One clearly had the greatest impact. What are you reaching for?
