Brenda’s Blog – June 10, 2014

“No Parking,” read the sign.  Nothing unusual about that – ordinarily.  But the Spring rains left the prohibition standing stork-like in the high waters of the St. Croix River in Stillwell, MN.

I immediately thought of something Dad used to tell me, “Brenda, stay current.  Operate on what is, not what was, or even what you wish it were.”  That sign was meant for times when the water stayed within its banks and motorists attempted to park their cars on the walkway.

Leaders keep their antennae well-tuned to conditions making decisions which reflect change while holding true to the vision.  Consistent review of policies, products, and procedures keep organizations from wading into the water.  Obsolescence quickly comes from missed opportunities.

Strong organizations build on the legacy of history while creating foundations for the future.

Relationships need review, as well.  What are our goals?  What is our direction? How are we growing? What needs tuning?  What needs celebrating?

Recently I cleaned out two closets.  A true challenge to staying current!  Where is the fine line between holding on until it comes back into fashion and simply cluttering?  What separates “good stewardship” from “hanging on to junk?”  Staying current means making tough calls and filling bags.

The river waters will recede and the sign will serve its intended purpose.  But on this sunny May day it served me well, triggering reflection.  No lazy unexamined living for me…time to stay current.

Brenda’s Blog – May 27, 2014

“The artist has determined the presence of the Tower has destroyed his work, so it is closed.”

One of the most interesting exhibits at the Nasher Sculpture Garden in Dallas is a building which features a large hole in the ceiling. Visitors, seated on concrete benches, stare through this hole at the sky. “Trending Blue” is the title.

A Dubai-like office tower now looms over the garden and obscures the purity of the artist’s vision. Rather than compromise, the artist closed access to his work. “It is destroyed.”

Gratitude flowed over me as I read those words. Not because the room was closed, but because we have a God who doesn’t post a sign on me saying, “She is destroyed.” There have been towers, strongholds, and fortresses which loom over my life, blocking the view of His face. There have been times when “Trending Black” seemed the appropriate title, BUT, our God reached down past the obstructions and reconstructed.

The second part of the notice says, “The artist is working to design something that will not be affected by the tower.”

Jesus is the way of escape from the terrible tower. Our God created a way for a clear view of His face.

What if my bad decisions had no means of remediation? What if my choices were written indelibly with no possibility of correction? Praise God He doesn’t mark us “damaged goods” and put us on the trash pile.

How do we apply this to leadership? We are called to lead imperfect, flawed, and sometimes aggravating humans. When plans aren’t executed perfectly, is it tempting to take out the “work destroyed” sticker? What strategies are built in for alternative operations? When do you go into reconstruction phase?

Leading with hope is the sign of greatness. Leading with realism is the sign of effectiveness. Towers may loom over us personally or professionally, but there is always a way to adjust and see the sky.

Brenda’s Blog – May 13, 2014

“Basta, basta, spare me a complete Hakluyt!”

That was my one line in the eighth grade play about new world adventures.  I was Queen Elizabeth 1, costumed in velvet, pearls, and heavy wig.  Try giving great meaning and depth to those seven words, especially when you have NO idea what Hakluyt meant.  I stood in front of the mirror practicing each syllable carefully, striving to look regal and authoritative.

Years later I learned what the Queen was saying.  Basta= enough.  But Hakluyt? Richard Hakluyt was a geographer, chronicler, and explorer.  His efforts to open up the new world, especially the colony of Virginia, were well-known.  He was a talker, writer, talker, journaler, and talker!

His reports were particularly verbose and developed a reputation for their length.  Thus, long-winded speeches were known as “Hakluyts.  Queen Elizabeth was saying to the eager explorer standing before her, “Enough, enough, spare me this tiresomely long report – just get to the bottom line.”  Or, as my Dad would say to me, “Brenda, show me the baby, don’t tell me about the labor pains.”

I don’t know all that information would have helped my prize winning performance, but over the years I appreciate more and more her leadership in saying “Enough, enough!”

“What causes you to say enough?” “Where do you draw the line?” “What are your deal breakers?”

These define moral boundaries.  Strong leaders answer these questions early in their lives.  They lay a foundation upon which they build their careers, family life, and ministry.  Effective leaders form answers before they ever confront volatile or compromising situations.

Good leaders don’t like surprises and especially don’t like surprising themselves.  Our value structure must operate as a knee jerk reaction.  “Basta, basta” is part of a leader’s toolbox.  “Basta, basta” is a well-honed and well-used line.

Brenda’s Blog – April 29, 2014

“You are here” were the words under the big orange dot.

I stood at the directory board examining all the stores while waiting for my friend to meet for lunch. Then I started laughing to myself… isn’t that the way I want God to communicate with me? I want a great big map with everything lined out and then a big orange dot telling me just where I am on the chart.

Where would faith be if we followed the bouncing orange ball? How could we grow in the knowledge of a sovereign God if the next steps were as predictable as those from Corner Bakery to Neiman’s?

However, we can check out our progress. “Are you satisfied with the direction of your life? Are you pleased with who you are becoming?” My Dad would occasionally ask me these questions. There was one more, but I can’t remember… these two are brain-twisting enough.

NorthPark Center in Dallas has a map which marks a walking path. I can know exactly where I am and how far I’ve gone at all times. I can tell myself when I have taken shortcuts and cheated myself out of the complete path. I can also do an extra lap or two and know how loudly to congratulate myself.

On those days when I want orange dot living, I stop and think about the wonders of wondering and wandering, even. I think about the excitement of knowing the person I want to be, but not knowing where that person is going to go in 1 year or 3 years, much less five years. I love trusting in a God who loves me and has a plan for my life – a plan which is more than I could ever imagine.

So when I stand at that directory the next time I will laugh again because He is SO MUCH BETTER than a big orange dot.