Are you a thermometer or a thermostat?
A thermometer reads and displays. The little dial works hard going up and down reading the environment. It isn’t directive, it doesn’t care about results. It just reads, reports and follows.
A thermostat goes a step further. It reads the environment, compares it to a goal then makes changes as necessary. The difference is the willingness to lead.
The average worker accepts mediocrity, peer pressure and poor performance. The ineffective follow the trend without thought for results, accomplishment or internal values. The ineffective will be replaced and passed over by those who work to achieve, accomplish and become better at whatever they do. The average worker, is like the thermometer, “a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed”. (James 1:6 KJV)
The excellent individuals and churches have a bias for action. When an idea hits, they don’t sit, consider, mull it around and then file it for a better day. They pray about it then jump in and try the solution. They work with an idea, change and adjust to get action. Good ideas don’t make or save time or money until implemented. The staff will experiment on a continuous basis. Staff consider risk-taking a natural part of the job. A failure is acceptable, temporary and to be expected. Learning from mistakes allows opportunity to become better, more effective and more productive.
“Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, members of the scouting party, ripped their clothes and addressed the assembled People of Israel: “The land we walked through and scouted out is a very good land—very good indeed. If God is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land, a land that flows, as they say, with milk and honey. And he’ll give it to us. Just don’t rebel against God! And don’t be afraid of those people. Why, we’ll have them for lunch! They have no protection and God is on our side. Don’t be afraid of them!” (Numbers 14:6-9)
You have choice! You can work like a thermometer or a thermostat. But, only those who work like the thermostat will make our world a better place to live.
Leadership is standing firm like Caleb and Joshua, even when the odds are against you.
Yours in Service,
Laurie D. Kennedy
Leadership Coach
Jethro Group
ldkjethrogroup@gmail.com