A Break in Form

As a former competitive runner, I enjoy watching long distance races. As the race wears on, I often see a slight change in the form of some runners. It may be a less fluid stride or a shift in how they swing their arms. The change can be very slight, but it is a sure sign that fatigue is setting in and that this athlete doesn’t have the stamina to win the race. In the worst cases, the runner may stagger or even collapse before reaching the finish line. Like distance runners, leaders can experience fatigue as they run the “race” toward their church or ministry’s mission. Their “break in form” may be exhibited in a sharp-tongued reply to a critic or withdrawing from people that disagree or a loss of focus.  The problem is that these and other fatigue-induced behaviors can hurt the leader and the organization. Just like distance runners, preparation is vital for effective leadership. Once the race day arrives, there is nothing that the runner can do to improve his or her stamina. That’s work that must be done over the months of training beforehand. In the same way, the most powerful tool for any leader is the spiritual and mental foundation that is laid long before challenges arise. Fortunately, my analogy breaks down at one critical point. The distance runner must press ahead to finish as fast as possible, even as the fatigue increases. The leader has other options. He or she can slow down to a more sustainable pace. It’s better to miss a deadline or adjust a goal rather than press ahead to the point of collapse. The leader can also turn a solo race into a relay. Asking others to help shoulder the burden is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. If you’re noticing signs of a break in form, what adjustments do you need to make? And if your leadership race is going smoothly right now, how can you strengthen your foundation for the future. It’s easy to receive my blogs by email. Just sign-up on Feedburner by clicking here.]]>