I have, naturally I think, fallen into the role of a rebel. In looking for a scapegoat, I blame my father. After all, he loved motorcycles and fast cars. His black well-worn leather jacket was one of the earliest objects I remember coveting. I know the blame would simply be an excuse as I hid from the belief that I could see what others could not. I believed my rebellion would lead us to something greater than the predictable.
In hindsight, I wish I knew in my youth what Life has taught me over the years.
Being able to see what others cannot is not useful if you do not share the vision in a way that it becomes theirs as well. Singular insights will not last unless they are embraced and realized through the lives of others. There is more to a vision than the words within. Visions require context, an understanding of the why, and the imagination of the how if they are to live and grow.
Communities thrive when there is a shared intent which is reflected in leaders who reflect the best of that intent. It takes a combination of community and leadership if the greater good is to be realized. If one sees what others cannot, one has the challenge and opportunity to honorably thread this insight into the seams of the community and its leaders.
The greatest accomplishments always involve others. Shackleton’s miracle in the story of Endurance in the Antarctic would have never been possible if it was not for the crew and the leaders within who were willing to follow Shackleton’s lead. The greatest human achievements may start with a singular insight. However, in the collective effort of many we will see the impossible realized.
Structure can help accelerate great visions. Command has a role and place. In discovering its value, the great ideas are born, nurture, and grow. In the maximum potential, “fire and hail, snow and ice, hurricanes obeying his [Divine] orders.” (Psalm 148.8).
In working through commend, structure, and process, the greatest dreams become reality.
