Off the Shelf

The Death of a Vision

As you study corporate, church or organizational history, you will see an interesting pattern unfold. That is, the entrepreneurial spirit (or revival) starts with a person whose tremendously gifted and talented. This person develops a vision and people follow that vision. As the vision grows it turns into a movement. People follow and the movement grows, so far so good. But at some point the movement begins to construct a monument and after a short time if leadership isn't careful, the monument turns into a mausoleum. A heartfelt vision, turns into a movement, which turns into a monument, which becomes a mausoleum. Unfortunately it happens over and over and over again.

Take the car troubled car industry (no, you take it). It starts with men of vision and passion. We see economy of scale, mass production, we see growth. Suddenly monuments are built - whether they are monuments to the status quo or fat-cat union contracts - monuments are built and suddenly leadership is worshiping business as usual while the consumer and the economy and the environment are all changing. instead of vision and innovation, we see mausoleums.

Take the ministry that starts with tremendous heart and vision. People's lives are changed, and consequently we need more buildings, we need less time for ministry because we have so many services or "to dos" to keep the monuments going. Suddenly, without warning, we see mausoleums - the death of the vision.

Here's what happens. The tragedy occurs when the machine which was originally set up to help and serve people (aka customers) becomes so ingrained and established that the people inside exist to serve the monument (or the machine whichever you prefer). And, then you have a masoluem instead of the vibrant organization that was originally built to serve and meet needs.

How do you stop it?

• Like all bad habits you need to recognize your problems and  your tendency to ingrain business as usual.

• Keep the vision alive. Never quit preaching the original vision and staying totally focused on the people whom you serve.

• Question everything. Paradigms become entrenched because they serve the machine that created the monument. Be careful of long-standing paradigms. Everything changes at some time or another.

• Be careful of false pride. If you think your organization is important, fill a bucket full of water and put your hand in it. Quickly pull out your hand and the remaing hole is your level of importance. You're right - there is no hole. It's only there in your mind and pride fuels it.

How do you keep the vision? How do you keep your organizaton from turning to a mausoleum? I'd like to know.

Keeping the Team Aligned with Your Vision

This past week I've been spending a considerable amount of my reading time studying Exodus chapters 24-32. To give you some context, Moses returns from a conversation with God and the people respond with tremendous devotion and a promise to obey God's commands. Moses takes his seventy trusted leaders part way up Mount Sinai and they can see a portion of God and really get the vision. God then calls Moses up the mountain and for forty days gives him more mentoring. Chapter 32, however, highlights what happens with the rest of the people during Moses' absence.

While Moses is up with God and after they promised God and Moses to follow the commandments, the people get antsy and need something new. In a short time they are ready to move on. "Where's Moses? Is he coming back?"

And, Aaron, Moses most trusted adviser and partner in the escape and exodus decides to mold a golden calf idol to appease the people. Amazing.

My first question is this: What was it about Moses' leadership that caused not only his people, but his trusted inner circle to turn away so quickly from the vision? I am really struggling with this because this is a core issue for any leader - how do I keep my people and my leadership team aligned with the vision in spite of the circumstances, challenges and craziness of today?

I'm not blaming these people, we do it all the time. Unless the leader is a micro-managing dictator, people stray from the vision and want something different or new if we're not effectively leading. Or, they get trapped into their own world and don't remember the forest for the umpteen urgent trees in front of them.

My second question:  Where were the seventy inner circle leaders? Scripture doesn't mention them. Why didn't they make a stand and hold firm to the vision? What was missing in Moses' leadership that caused them to fall away seemingly as quickly as the people?

I would really enjoy hearing from you. What do you do to help your people and your leaders (both above you and below you) hold firm to the vision?

I look forward to hearing from you.