Leadership Is Art and Science

Weekly Thought – August 13, 2024

Fred’s understanding of the delicate balance between art and science in leadership built a foundation for himself and for his mentoring of generations of leaders. He knew the nuances of this interaction and studied examples throughout his lifetime.

Leadership Is Art and Science

There is no valid list of common denominators for leaders, no formula to follow. The ingredients vary with each situation. Sometimes, for instance, leaders must exhibit courage; other times, their decisions are so clear no courage is required.

I could list several “Traits of a Leader,” it would be like assembling all the ingredients for a recipe without giving the proportions and instructions for use of each. A cook may have the proper ingredients but without knowing how to correctly put them together the proper result would rarely occur. The list of leadership ingredients may be seen as science, but the correct use of them is the art of leadership.

For example, knowledge of human nature is a top requirement for leadership. But an effective leader understands the appropriate application of this knowledge. Napoleon was reputed to be one of history’s finest wartime generals. He had precise knowledge of human nature under these conditions. In battle he knew how hard he could push – how far he could go. This was the source of his power. However, he was inadequate in a postwar political environment.

Another example is Winston Churchill whose grasp of wartime emergency management is still considered textbook. However, when he attempted to transfer the same skills afterwards without the same success. Leadership is not a constant science, but a combination of principles and the artful execution based on the study and understanding of human nature.

I am frequently asked if leadership is innate, or a learned skill. I am convinced it can be coached but not implanted. The great violinist Heifetz could be coached, but the underlying giftedness could not be taught. In the early days he could learn to read music, understand rhythms, and patterns. A teacher could instruct him in bowing and fingering. But later, as one great conductor said: “I can only tell him whether he is doing what he tells me he wants to do.” He had taken responsibility for the innate gifts and developed them to the level of virtuoso.

I don’t believe you can make a leader from someone without any inborn leadership. It generally shows up in early years. As you look at three or four year olds you can see emerging patterns of leadership. With proper use, excellent coaching, and opportunities this gift grows. Clearly the art and science of leadership blossoms more fully under the right conditions.

My lifetime goal was “to stretch others.” Key to this mission is my own ability to identify leadership talent, connect them with others who can encourage growth, and be available when asked. Working to mor effectively translate the concept of art and science is also a critical element in the use of my leadership gifting.

This week carefully consider: 1) Where do I see leadership gifts in myself? 2) How am I working to develop growth in my clearer understanding of effective leadership? 3) Who exhibits leadership skills that I can encourage?

Words of Wisdom: “Leadership is both art and science.”

Wisdom from the Word: “He has filled him with the Spirit of God – with skill, with understanding, with knowledge, and in all kinds of work.” (Exodus 35:31 NET Bible)

Hitting the Gas!

Brenda’s Blog – August 13, 2024

“The car is in the house! The car is in the house!”

My office phone rang. As I answered I heard my Dad saying, “Your Mother says her car is in the house. You are closer to her than I am, so would you go now and I will meet you there?” How could I possibly know what “the car is in the house” meant.

When I walked into the house I realized she was right – her car passed through the garage wall, crashing into the built in china cabinet on the other side. The breakfast room table stopped the forward motion just shy of a kitchen wall holding the sink. Mom climbed through the passenger window onto the table, lifted herself down and immediately called Dad repeating over and over “Fred! Fred! The car is in the house! The car is in the house!”

Dad collected the shards of china, porcelain, and crystal formerly stored on the glass shelves of the cabinet, gathering them into three bags. As he handed one to each adult child he declared, “Here is your inheritance.”

Mom’s days of driving and independence ceased on that day. To the end of her life she maintained the car failed, propelling it through the garage wall. We all knew her foot hit the accelerator instead of the brake as she entered from one of her favorite afternoon outings to NorthPark Center. That one mistake eliminated her freedom, and the option to go because her “wheels” (and her keys) were no longer available.

That table sits in my home decades later after being refurnished by a loving son in law as a house warming gift for me.

We may never drive our car into the house, but undoubtedly many of us will experience life altering events which change us. There will be times when the difficult times make me want to cry “the car is in the house!” And when I do I know the very same God who watched over my Mom is with me. How grateful I am for a God who cares on the good days – and especially on those terrible, awful ones.

Leadership is More Than a Position

Weekly Thought – August 6, 2024

Fred spoke, and wrote about leadership for decades. His thinking was not formulaic; he did not offer keys, secrets, or stepping stones – just principle-based approaches established through experience, scriptural study, and conversations with wisdom figures.

Leadership is More Than a Position

As the son of a preacher, I noticed a curious thing growing up. People in church leadership positions didn’t necessarily know how to lead.
My fathered pastored a number of small churches in Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Unfortunately, many of the people were unprepared to lead. Factory workers who ran plant machinery by day came to church board meetings at night and tried to become executives. It didn’t work. Even in my early teens, I could sense the ineptness.

A man once told me “At work Bill is my boss, but at church I am his boss.” He served as chairman of the deacons and enjoyed the exchange of positions. He, like others, served the church without leadership training and often became dictatorial. Too often lacking understanding of organization, strategic planning, human dynamics, or vision, those deficient in these skills become religious mini-moguls.

Leadership is not a position; it is a function. It is not a title that grants power over others. It is a skill you perform, a service you render for the entire organization or institution.

I saw my father as a genuine man of God. His longest stay was in a small church in the cotton mill section in Nashville. He became something of a padre of the slums. He had no fear of walking through the most dangerous parts of the city. In the first place, he was strong physically as a former blacksmith with great power. In the second place (and most importantly) he was revered by many in the neighborhood as a godly man. It marks a son to know your father is held in that high esteem and regard.

But he was neither an adroit politician, nor an organizational expert. He was a people person who served the Lord and his people, but he struggled with the power plays.

My Mother was the manager. She was a very well-organized person, and I admired her skill, even as a young man. She saved a family of seven from starvation, stretching the $125/month my father made to cover meals (and often others who came to the door). I could see the church “leaders” were woefully lacking the leadership and managerial skills my Mother had.

These experiences convinced me of the value of an orderly way of doing things. I grew up wanting to become a leader – not just to occupy a position, but to perform capably.

This week think about: 1) What leadership traits do I have? 2) How am I developing them and using them for the benefit of others? 3) Who models effective leadership for me?

Words of Wisdom: “Leadership is not a position; it is a function.”

Wisdom from the Word: “If it (the spiritual gift) is leadership, he must do so with diligence;” (Romans 10:8 NET Bible)

Waiting for the Crunch

Brenda’s Blog – July 30, 2024

“Every time I back up, my stomach knots up and I wait for the crunch.”

My friend and I were talking about past experiences which continued to have an emotional hold. She told of backing out of a parking space in a neighborhood mall and nearly being struck by a passing car. Even though no impact occurred the experience still marks her emotional memory.

I shared that I understood because I, too, had a very similar experience driving in one of the many residential alleys in Dallas. It only takes one of those episodes to create a permanent reflex.

“Each time I back up in a busy parking lot, I unconsciously wait for the impact.” It has never repeated, but the instinct remains.

We then expanded the experience to a broader application… Life. Once we have been seriously hurt it affects the way we respond, doesn’t it? Relationships have built-in crunches which always live in our emotional background. Career setbacks make us sensitive to risk-taking. Abused children flinch when a sudden move reminds them of being hit. So many triggers!

We need to undergo the “renewing of our minds” learning to engage in life without holding back while waiting for the crunch. Diligence and wisdom are the new foundations. We can retrain our minds and reframe our emotional reactions to choose healthy caution but denying fear and shrinking back.

May we release the power past crunches have over us redesigning a way of thinking which allows us freedom and joy. We are told in 2 Timothy 1:7 “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Let’s take a deep breath and rejoice.

Interested, Not Curious

Weekly Thought – July 30, 2024

Fred enjoyed a reputation for asking questions which clarified, directed, and discerned. However, he never asked questions which were intrusive or inappropriate. Human interaction and communication was of particular interest to him and he valued them.

Interested, Not Curious

Sharing is built on confidence by friends who have a deep, sincere interest in each other. Note that I said “interest,” not “curiosity.” I am turned off by people who are curious about me, but I am irresistibly drawn to the person who is interested, accepting me for who an what I am. So often we confuse interest in people with curiosity about people. But there’s a vast difference between the two!

Interest has a positive, helpful, outgoing implication, while curiosity is self-centered. Seeing and hearing about a person can scratch the curiosity itch, but interest requires an affirmative effort with a desire for the good of the other person.

Now, there’s a heavy streak of curiosity in all of us, but it is a trait that must be bridled in the tender atmosphere of friendship. No subtlety or cleverness can conceal curiosity for it reveals itself in the type of questions asked. For example, if a person asks an executive curious questions about his business, the fences will go up and no true relationship can exist. Confidence is impaired because questions asked out of curiosity are blatant revealers of selfish motives.

Without a climate where confidences can be shared, there can be no genuine friendship. It is vital that friends be able to trust one another implicitly, and the very desire or willingness to be known and to know the other person is an integral part of friendship.

Authentic friendship demands the willingness to have a question go unanswered – or possibly even unasked.

This week think carefully about: 1) How do I recognize when I am substituting curiosity for interest? 2) Who is a good example of crafting helpful questions? 3) What is my strongest asset to bring to a friendship?

Words of Wisdom: “Interest has a positive, helpful, outgoing implication, while curiosity is self-centered.”

Wisdom from the Word: “The righteous person is cautious in his friendship, but the way of the wicked leads them astray.” (Proverbs 12:26 NET Bible)

Heroes

Weekly Thought – July 23, 2024

Fred’s memo to Maxey Jarman, chairman of GENESCO, on character demonstrates his thinking and sheds light on his friendship with “M.J.” as he denoted his mentor. His analysis is a window into his principle-based life. In his first book, You and Your Network, he develops the importance of heroes.

Heroes

I am interested in a man’s heroes. It tells me much of what he wants to become. Your example of duty fulfillment is now a part of my life. I now have a miniature version in my life – not as perfect an expression as yours, but a genuine one. As Tozer said, “My flame may be small, but it is real.” I noted when I read Tozer’s words, “a small flame can start a real fire better than a large neon sign.”

Somehow I caught your love of work. You were the first to get me to experience the excitement of accomplishment. Others tried; you succeeded. Why they failed, I don’t know. Somehow I could accept and be challenged by your example. It certainly was not your verbal spoken teaching on your precepts because you rarely said anything about them.

Each of us must pick our own heroes. We need the example of others for our character building. Years ago I picked seven character traits I needed and selected a person to personify each one. I asked each person to send me a framable photograph. I placed these pictures on my office wall and looked to their traits. They were my personified examples – their word had become flesh and I dwelt among them. You, of course, were one of them. Thanks! I put Sallman’s Christ at the top and a mirror at the bottom.

To properly exercise one’s sense of responsibility is to build his own character. Therefore, my responsibility to set an example for those looking to me became a growing incentive toward personal character building. I know those I am responsible, but I don’t know who else is watching. We never do, do we? Really frightening.

This week carefully consider: 1) Who taught me something that stuck when others failed? 2) What was it? 3) Who is watching me right now?

Words of Wisdom: “A small flame can start a real fire better than a large neon sign.”

Wisdom from the Word: “And entrust what you heard me say in the presence of many others as witnesses to faithful people who will be competent to teach others as well.” (2 Timothy 2:2 NET Bible)

Late Bloomers

Brenda’s Blog – July 16, 2024

“Do you think the tree is dead? There are no leaves when the others are green.”

I have a favorite oak tree which graces my back deck. For three seasons it brings such happiness as it towers over the yard. However, each winter the leaves fall and it stands tall, but barren. For nearly 16 years I watch the other trees joyfully turn green almost over night while my dear oak still sleeps in its winter brown attire.

Is it dead? This question comes to mind each and every mind. Yet, a few weeks later there comes a magical night which triggers green leaves. I always take a deep breath, give thanks for the year, and enjoy it for the next months.

My oak tree is a late bloomer.

Haven’t we seen people who appear to be in hibernation without exhibiting signs of maturity and growth. Haven’t we sometimes wondered about those who seem to lack direction? Haven’t we even seen young ones whose physical development doesn’t match those around?

My older son in law was 5’7” when he graduated from high school. When he went to a high school reunion several years later, he was 6’1” and hardly recognizable. We are told males can often reach their adult height after age 21, but we expect it much sooner and are concerned if they don’t follow the peer pattern. Sometimes our DNA has a different rhythm.

Now think about spiritual development. We mature at different rates. There is no “normal” chart for measurement. Yet, we are quick to judge and assess others, aren’t we? Wouldn’t it be better if we understood our Christian walk has individual characteristics? Yes, some of us take detours and fall into potholes, but the Lord promises He will complete the work He started.

I sat with a group of grandmothers who were all bragging about their high achieving grands, listing their accomplishments and hoping to impress the others. It came around to one grandmother at the table. She told of a granddaughter who is doing well in graduate school.
Then she paused and said, “my grandson is working on his testimony.” That has struck a permanent chord with me. She wisely knew his life experiences were difficult, but also knew his great God would weave them all together for His honor and glory. And, she prayed one day he would be a giant oak tree with a story of blooming that would bring great rejoicing.

God bless the late bloomers. And may we pray for them knowing “in His time He makes all things beautiful” as the praise song reminds us.

Fact or Fantasy

Weekly Thought – July 16, 2024

Fred regularly challenged himself and others to “keep current.” His reminder to leave the “used to’s” behind struck home as colleagues and friends aged. Living on past experiences solely limits relevance. Choosing what one would wish it to be rather than what it is was considered by Fred to be a waste of time. This excerpt from a Highland Park Presbyterian Elliott class lesson in the 1980s proves principal-based thinking is timeless and timely.

Fact or Fantasy

No matter how beautifully or reasonably a situation is defined it is no more than fantasy if not based on truth. I am particularly impressed at this time with all the politicians vying for the presidency. They are telling us of the panaceas they can provide if elected. They list all the major problems and tell us they will solve them once they are in charge of the government. They have made one big miscalculation. They have the wrong concept of human nature.

Humanity is flawed and cannot be perfected by governmental programs. Welfare, no matter how well intentioned, that does not require individuals to be responsible will create perpetual dependence.

Once I fortuitously had breakfast with the well-known commentator David Suskine the morning after he debated Bill Buckley (who cut him to ribbons). Suskine, however, maintained a gracious spirit. I opened up the breakfast by saying I admired his attitude my politics were conservative. I asked him, totally aware and respectful of his intellectual capabilities: “How does a man as learned as you take your political and philosophical position?”

“In order to be a liberal you must first believe in the basic goodness of man,” was his reply.

I told him with that statement he gave me a complete understanding of his position. I went on to say I believed in the doctrine of man’s original sin. He said, “That is a horrible thought.” I asked him if it was a thought or a fact. Sometimes in order to control a subject we will rename – and misname – it.

I further told him that if I believed in the basic goodness of man than I would freely support education, and financial aid as the solution to social ills. But if humanity is basically sinful and we provide privileges without responsibilities we could create monsters. I feel many of our programs fail because we do not understand the sin nature of humanity.

The imperfectability of humanity is a fact. Programs built on the basic goodness of humanity is built on fantasy. Faulty conclusions are the natural result.

This week think about: 1) How clear am I in my fact v. fantasy thinking? 2) Where does wishing alter the actual situation? 3) How much time have I spent thinking about the nature of man?

Words of Wisdom: “Humanity is flawed and cannot be perfected by governmental programs.”

Wisdom from the Word: “Look, I was guilty of sin from birth, a sinner the moment my mother conceived me.” (Psalm 51:5 NET Bible)

Evidences of God

Weekly Thought – July 9, 2024

Fred lived out the principles of scripture… exhibiting wisdom, integrity, and trust. He wanted to be a man whose decisions reflected the reality of God. The nature of God and the nature of man were constantly on his mind as he viewed life through a filter based on the sovereignty of God and the responsibility of man.

Evidences of God

I was invited to attend a luncheon of 17 leading pastors, including Stephen Olford. Billy Graham called him the man who had most influenced his ministry. During the table conversation he said, “My brothers, I am weary of celebrity religion. You know I have received my share of honors. But when I die if my family does not say, “There is something of God in the man, I will have failed.”

A holy hush came over the group. Each attendee thoughtfully considered his own personal situation. As that day comes to mind I think about the evidences of God in a man.

First, I would suggest a quiet center that cannot be panicked. The Quaker theologian Thomas Kelly called it making a “mental habit of internal orientation.” I just call it cultivating a quiet space that cannot be disturbed.

I think of Christ asleep in the boat when the storm was raging. Or, the eye of a hurricane when all about is roiling, the very center is peaceful – almost eerily quiet.

Second, God is evidenced in the way we speak. I think of my friend Bob, raised on the streets of a big city saying, “When I came to Christ He cleaned up my dirty mouth and tongue.” Vulgarity gave him a bad taste in his mouth. His profanity habit turned into “praying without ceasing.” Prayer came as readily as the swear words did before.

Third, our quality and breadth of love is another evidence. Unconditional love comes from Christ and when demonstrated, it is from a divine source. We are a conduit – we are the pipe. This love is more than tolerance. My saintly friend, Orene Howard told me, “Fred, there is not a sin which I cannot commit. If I thought there were I couldn’t love the one who did commit it.”

Fourth, the last one I will mention is our attitude toward death. One of the most important decisions in life concerns dying. The assurance of heaven gives us a peaceful acceptance of life with its variety of conditions. The Apostle Paul said “I know how to be brought low, and how to abound. I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” The ups and downs remind us that this life is the practice – the real game comes later. I am glad!

This week consider: 1) How would you ascertain the evidence of God in another’s life? 2) How would others see evidence in your life? 3) When you think about death how certain are you about your relationship with God through Jesus?

Words of Wisdom: “Our quality and breadth of love is an evidence of God.”

Wisdom from the Word: “I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11b ESV)

Don’t Ever Give Up

Weekly Thought -July 2, 2024

Fred thoroughly enjoyed his work as a management consultant. Companies called him to help build strategies around employee relations, sales/marketing direction, and clarity in sticky situations. He famously talked about the “key log.” He explained that as logs traveled down rivers they would frequently get stuck. Rather than expend energy trying to straighten the mess the loggers knew to find the “key log,” extricate it, and the flow would continue. He knew how to create conversations to identify key logs and start the flow again. Fred never quit!

Don’t Ever Give Up

I am convinced there are 5 don’ts for successful living: 1) Don’t ever give up; 2) Don’t look back; 3) Don’t delay accepting failure; 4) Don’t settle for “it might have been;” and 5) Don’t panic. This morning let’s look at number one: Don’t Ever Give Up.

One time I was working with J. Mack Swigert, esteemed attorney with the Taft Law Firm in Cincinnati, on an extremely difficult labor negotiation. It was not only difficult; it seemed impossible for us to win. Feeling the need for a mattress to fall on in the event of loss, I started listing the various reasons we might not win. He stopped me cold with this comment: “Fred it’s better to win. You don’t have to explain a win, and you can’t explain a loss.” Then he added with a smile, “Clients pay better fees for winning.”

A person should never spend time thinking about reasons for giving up, for slowing down, or stopping. This is preciously why the follow through in golf is so important. Every golf pro strives for the high finish. Actually, it doesn’t have anything to do with hitting the ball; it comes after the ball is struck. But follow through shows that the golfer didn’t start stopping before hitting the ball. Most duffers start the process of stopping the club before striking. The high follow through is evidence of not quitting. In similar fashion, a person who develops the habit of winning won’t quit at a crucial time, either consciously or unconsciously.

I once held a seminar for young men with serious financial losses from an economic downturn. It was their first time to lose, and they were shaky, and confused. We called the seminar: For Losers, not Quitters. Losing is a temporary condition; quitting is an attitude.

Mike Todd, the Hollywood mogul once said, “I have been broke many times, but never poor.” Broke was temporary; poor was an attitude. Broke is in the pocket; poor is in the mind.

This week carefully consider: 1) When have I confused losing and quitting? 2) How needs me to explain the difference? 3) Where can I kick some key logs to get better flow?

Words of Wisdom: “A person should never spend time thinking about reasons for giving up, for slowing down, or stopping.”

Wisdom from the Word: “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:14 ESV)

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