"You've got to do something, even if it's wrong."--Colonel Jack Jacobs, from his new book.
I watched an interview on Colonel Jacobs a few weeks ago and I loved the quote he shared from above.
It seems like in ministry there is a deep paralyzing fear of making mistakes. Not mistakes for the sake of mistakes or to demonstrate one's lack of togetherness, but mistakes that come from a genuine desire to gain an outcome that has no 'right' step.
Jacob's quote came from a situation when he was in an extreme firefight. I've noticed that without a deep sense of urgency it's hard to step out in the unknown.
I've seen a few important elements that go along with leading in this manner:
- Providing a solid context for stepping out in the unknown--the why's seem extra important when leading others into the unknown. If it's scary for me, then it must be even scarier for those following me.
- Communicating the urgency: Someone shared with me this question--'Why must it be done right now?' If I can't communicate that well, then perhaps this isn't one of those opportunities to try something new.
- Clearly portraying how the future could be dramatically altered by this decision. Although it may not work out exactly the way it's shared, helping others see the future and how it's connected to the present and past is essential.
I'm noticing that when winter comes I'm all about books and reflection. If the weather didn't steal bike rides and time outside with the family, I would vote for winter all around!
