Rick asked me to look over this (like it needed it...) and so I asked him if I could share it on my blog. I hope you find it as encouraging as I did. So welcome today's guest blogger, my husband, Rick Mitchell.
POSITION VS. VISION
As
churches/businesses/corporations enter seasons of transition they also will
face challenges with individuals attempting to position themselves for
promotion. They see themselves as the
next pastor, manager, CEO or whatever title may be. This is dangerous because they value position
over vision.
I am
convinced that we should value vision over position. Positions come and go but it’s the vision
that will carry organizations forward. If
a person can only support a vision when they are in a lead position then they
really aren’t connected to the vision.
Instead, they are more concerned with their title and position within
the organization.
Luke 9:46-48
“An argument
started among the disciples as to which of them would be the greatest. Jesus, knowing their thoughts, took a little
child and had him stand beside him. Then
he said to them, “Whoever accepts this child as if the child were me, accepts
me,” he said. “And whoever accepts me,
accepts the one who sent me. You become
great by accepting, not asserting. Your
spirit, not your size, makes the difference.”
Here are a
few thoughts on valuing vision over position.
1.
VALUING POSITION CREATES PRIDE. VALUING VISION PRODUCES HUMILITY.
When individuals value position over vision it can create a sense of arrogance. They feel as if the future of the
organization is solely dependent upon them.
Pride creates an atmosphere of superiority that can lead to an abuse of
authority. When it becomes “all about
me” then the vision is lost and our leadership is compromised. However, if vision is what drives us then we
realize it’s “not all about me” but it is “bigger than me.”
2.
VALUING POSITION IS “I” FOCUSED. VALUING VISION IS “WE” FOCUSED.
Competition and comparison within an organization can destroy and organization. When individuals become “I” focused they will
say things like, “I’m better; I’m more gifted; I’m more talented; I deserve;
etc.” That individual exalts themselves
above everyone else in the organization.
But individuals who value vision understand that “I can’t do it alone”
but “we can do it together.” I have a
picture in my office of a turtle sitting on top of a fence post that says, “I
need help to get to where I’m going.” We
is greater than me.
3.
VALUING POSITION CREATES ENEMIES. VALUING VISION CREATES ALLIES.
Individuals who value position will do whatever it takes to get that
position. They will be tempted to step
on others along the way, cash in their integrity and view anyone who opposes
them as the enemy. No organization can
be successful if this culture is allowed to filter through the
organization. Individuals who value
position will recruit people to join them in this “us versus them” battle. When team members are forced to take sides
then the vision will never be fulfilled.
Valuing vision creates allies that are all fighting for the same thing –
the success of the vision.
4.
VALUING POSITION IS NEVER ENDING. VALUING VISION IS FULFILLING.
Individuals who believe position brings happiness and fulfillment will be
sorely disappointed. These people can
never settle in where they are because they are always looking to the next
title or promotion. They keep searching
for fulfillment but it never comes. In
reality, they are connecting their self-worth to their title or position. When individuals become vision focused they
can experience great joy and fulfillment.
When goals are met and the mission is accomplished they can find great
satisfaction in knowing they played a vital role in the success of the
vision.