The title sounds like some big-time, organizational leadership mumbo jumbo, right? On some levels, yes, you're right. Recently, my mind wandered to two real examples of how important consistency of message is to our everyday lives. It has little to do with leadership roles or positions, but it has had a huge impact on me. Maybe it has a lot to do with influence? Isn't that more important than roles or positions anyway?
(for those of you reading this not into faith or God, don't worry about that. The examples are still really strong how influential consistency of message can be on a person)
I spent nine awesome years being part of a private Christian school in central New Jersey (yes, central New Jersey exists). During that time, I developed a friendship with the school's board president. He and I talked often. He ended almost every conversation with, 'Chris, let me pray for you.' And he literally bowed his head and prayed for me right there. Out loud. I'm sure there was a conversation or two over nine years that didn't end that way, but I can't remember it. I only remember how most of them ended. With prayer.
Currently, I'm in year four working for a private Christian school in South Florida (really suffering through brutal winters.) There is a beloved patriarchal member of our faculty that I interact with a couple times per month. He begins or ends almost every conversation with an enthusiastic 'BY THE GRACE OF GOD!' It makes me smile to think about it. If I were to make that statement around campus, everyone would know it's not mine to make. It might as well by copyrighted by this faculty member.
The consistency of message from these two examples has had a couple of effects on me...
First - I think very highly of these individuals AND there message. The consistency of message validated the message.
Second - I've actually used their message in my own conversations with others that aren't familiar with these individuals. The consistency of message inspired me to share their message.
Third - I spend time thinking about what message am I consistently sending. The consistency of message made me more intentional about the message I am sending.
What about you? You are sending a message. We all are. But are you sending one that is valid, inspiring, and intentional? I'm willing to bet there's a message that is really important to you and you would like to send in your personal or professional life that has these characteristics.
(for those of you reading this not into faith or God, don't worry about that. The examples are still really strong how influential consistency of message can be on a person)
I spent nine awesome years being part of a private Christian school in central New Jersey (yes, central New Jersey exists). During that time, I developed a friendship with the school's board president. He and I talked often. He ended almost every conversation with, 'Chris, let me pray for you.' And he literally bowed his head and prayed for me right there. Out loud. I'm sure there was a conversation or two over nine years that didn't end that way, but I can't remember it. I only remember how most of them ended. With prayer.
Currently, I'm in year four working for a private Christian school in South Florida (really suffering through brutal winters.) There is a beloved patriarchal member of our faculty that I interact with a couple times per month. He begins or ends almost every conversation with an enthusiastic 'BY THE GRACE OF GOD!' It makes me smile to think about it. If I were to make that statement around campus, everyone would know it's not mine to make. It might as well by copyrighted by this faculty member.
The consistency of message from these two examples has had a couple of effects on me...
First - I think very highly of these individuals AND there message. The consistency of message validated the message.
Second - I've actually used their message in my own conversations with others that aren't familiar with these individuals. The consistency of message inspired me to share their message.
Third - I spend time thinking about what message am I consistently sending. The consistency of message made me more intentional about the message I am sending.
What about you? You are sending a message. We all are. But are you sending one that is valid, inspiring, and intentional? I'm willing to bet there's a message that is really important to you and you would like to send in your personal or professional life that has these characteristics.
‘Bite Down and Don’t Let Go’ is a collection of writings on
being intentional about life in a way that produces great persistence. Read
about it more here.
Dr. Chris Hobbs is an educational leader and Director
of Athletics at The King’s Academy in West Palm Beach, Florida. He’s earned a few
degrees and won some awards. He’s happily married to his high school
sweetheart and they have three teen age children. Life is messy and complicated
most of the time. You can follow him on Twitter
for all sorts of inspirational thoughts and good laughs.
Comments
Post a Comment