We live in an age of problems. Wherever there are people, there are challenges. But it seems that problems have reached epidemic proportions. We are reminded on a daily basis of egregious issues ranging from corrupt governments to a volatile economy, from societal moral decline to racism, from world hunger to injustice. People are desperately searching for someone who will boldly and effectively address these issues.
During the 1960s, there was a mantra, “If you’re not a part of the solution, you’re a part of the problem.” I think that statement holds true today. The challenge is that many people think they are a part of the solution when they are not.
The reason, in part, is because many people don’t understand the leader’s role. Historically, leaders have been problem solvers. If your nation was being invaded by an enemy, a general would lead its defense. If a company became inefficient and in danger of bankruptcy, a CEO would be enlisted to turn things around. If a nation was divided or its economy was stagnant, a new leader would be appointed to transform the dire situation.
Certainly, the leader is not the only person responsible for the solution. But leaders have proven to be catalysts. God has used leaders when he wished to solve a problem in the church or in society. When the Israelites were toiling in slavery, God could have dispatched the archangel Michael and made short work of Pharaoh’s power. But God raised up a reluctant shepherd instead. When the Midianites were ravaging the land of Israel, God could have spoken a word and devastated the rapacious invaders. Instead, God raised up timid Gideon. Over and over again, when people have faced a problem, God’s answer has been to raise up someone to make a positive difference.
The challenge today is that many people mistakenly assume that what they are doing is leading.
1. Criticizing what others are doing is not identical to leading. Condemning others makes you a critic, not a leader. Typically, even your most vehement verbal assaults do not improve an organization. They typically make the atmosphere more tense. Many people believe that because they rant and vent on social media, they are influencers. Perhaps they are. But they are not leaders. I have never agreed with John Maxwell that leadership is influence. It is possible to be a disruptive, divisive, and toxic influence without being a leader.
I knew a man who saw it as his calling to critique pastors’ shortcomings. He would attempt to walk up to the pulpit to challenge what a pastor was saying. This habit led to him being handed restraining orders from churches like they were door hangers. He was not welcome in any local churches. He had no audience or followers. He saw himself as a leader, but he was merely a nuisance.
In every organization I have led, I have welcomed differing opinions. But I urged my staff to accompany their criticism with an alternative suggestion. It did little good to belittle what we were doing without offering a better idea. Sadly, the most vociferous critics are often the ones who have accomplished the least through their own leadership efforts. My father was criticized often during his leadership tenure. Dad would smile, shrug his shoulders, and say, “I like what I’m doing far better than what they are not doing!” My father also used to say, “If God has revealed a problem to you, that is not for you to criticize but for you to intercede.” Your awareness of a shortcoming does no one any good unless you are willing to become part of the solution.
2. Working hard does not make you a leader. I know of some pastors who are terrible at
delegation or at developing leaders. As a result, they do all the work. They assume they are leading because they are working hard. But the fact is, they are working hard because they are not leading. They should be working smarter, not harder.
I know people who have been working at solving problems in their organization for years. But they have been working hard at the wrong things. Often people invest their efforts in addressing symptoms rather than root causes. As a result, despite their heroic efforts, the problem never gets resolved. It continually remains elusive.
3. Talking about the problem is not the same as leading. Politicians are often guilty of doing this. They make inspiring speeches about the problems, but they never lead people to solve them. It is bewildering how politicians can hold office for 25 years and do nothing to solve their constituents’ problems, yet they argue that only they are capable of setting things right. If talk could fix today’s issues, we would be the most robust and healthy nation on earth.
4. Attending meetings is not leadership. It is bureaucracy. Some people hurriedly
commute from one meeting to another, yet the problems they are responsible for resolving remain firmly in place. They mistakenly assume that busyness is leadership. It is not. In fact, some people are so busy with meaningless activities that they have no time to lead. Too many people holding leadership offices prefer the illusion of leadership to actual leadership.
The Challenge
What can you do to make a difference in your family, church, community, or denomination?
First, recognize that if God has granted you a concern for an issue, he can mobilize you to contribute to the solution.
Second, God may not intend for you to solve the entire problem. He may want to use you to address the aspect of the problem that relates most directly to you. You might not be able to change your entire denomination, but can you make your church better? You might not be able to transform your entire company, but can you build a healthy culture in your department?
Third, choose to lead, not posture. Posturing involves making indignant speeches, burying yourself in ineffective activity, and blaming others. Leadership involves addressing issues. Choose to do what is effective. Don’t grandstand. If what you are presently doing isn’t working, do something else.
Fourth, recognize that more is generally accomplished with a positive attitude than with a critical spirit. Make solving the problem your priority rather than proving someone else wrong.
Fifth, stay humble. The greatest change agents in the world are humble, confident, effective, positive leaders. Pride deceives you into thinking it is all about you. It is not.
Sixth, don’t lose heart.Change isn’t easy. Problems can be tenacious. You need to be even more determined. There is too much at stake for you to give up before your job is complete!
Seventh, involve others. Leadership is not a solo enterprise. Great leaders involve others. They also are generous in sharing credit.
Eighth, glorify God. Issues can be tackled in a prideful or vindictive manner, which never glorifies God. Always strive to act in a way that God is pleased to bless.
Conclusion
Our world desperately craves problem solvers. It needs positive leaders. Don’t merely join the masses who are offering critiques from the sidelines. Ask God how he wants to use your life to make a positive difference in your world. Then get to work!
