I return office and discovered a staff meeting underway. I was coming in from the back, so my view of the stand and screen was blocked. I could hear the speaker and see the faces of the audience, but that was all. I tried to solve the question of the speaker’s identity. The subject was clear – changing expectations and how organizations need to respond. The voice carried a sense of authority. I thought I knew the potential speakers. While the content fit one’s expertise, the way the talk was being delivered did not!
As I turned the corner and caught a glimpse of the speaker I could not believe my eyes! The mild manner, quick to build bridges manager, was speaker with candor, expertise, and authority. I was struck by the ease in which he made is delivery. Where did he find this side of his personality? Was this a one-time event? Was I seeing the real him?
After the staff meeting I wondered by his office. As I congratulated him on his talk, I highlighted his delivery, content, and the power I experienced listening to him. His response was at most reticent shyness.
“It was nothing special. I was introducing them to change and the opportunity to do more.”
I have listened to rest of the management team. Using the measures of impact, clarity, and delivery, no one else in the team comes close. He is in a league of his own. My mind drifted to others in a league of their own. I usually put them in one of two extremes. On one side I idolize them, wishing I could walk along side them and do what they can do. For the others, my actions suggest I am ignoring them.
My reflection went on to include Divinity. I can see that some react as if God stands in a different league; “Show your strength, God, so no one can miss it. We are out singing the good news!” (Psalm 21.13) Others feign ignorance. I want my actions today reflect the thoughts of my heart.
