Recently, I was in a conversation with a leader I greatly admire and he talked about the difference in “horsepower” between various leaders. What he was saying is that there is varying levels of capacity that individual leaders have. It got me thinking and asking myself “What is my capacity? Are there people who think I don’t possess the horsepower needed to accomplish an assignment? Are they right? And if so, can I increase my capacity?” After weeks of study, I think you can.
Last week, I read an article by Peter King of Sports Illustrated on Peyton Manning. From that article, I have extracted 10 Questions that all leaders must deal with when addressing their individual capacity and personal growth. I feel these are so important that I am only going to release one at a time over the next 30 days. I hope you enjoy these posts but more important, I hope they are helpful in allowing you to reach your full redemptive potential. Let’s get started with Question #1:
The Treasure Question which asks Do I Love What I Do? All other questions flow from this one. Luke 12:34 states “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” The industry that I’m in applies this verse to money, but it also has application elsewhere. If you love your leadership assignment, you will work extra hours joyfully. You will work weekends and always be checking your Blackberry. You’ll come in early and stay let. You will study your chosen topic more. Books, blog posts, and podcasts will be a normal part of your life. And most telling, you will have a great attitude around the office.
As my friend Joe Sangl says “I don’t have a job. I’m on a crusade!” Peyton Manning is on a crusade to be the best quarterback ever. He runs summer passing camps. The day after the 2009 NFL draft, he was working with first round pick Donald Brown the following morning at 8:00 AM. He is constantly re-working the game plan and doing game time adjustments. Every Thursday after practice, Peyton spends 90 extra minutes watching game film with WR Austin Collie. Peyton’s love of the game is obvious.
Now let’s answer the question – Do You Love What You Do? If you have to think about the answer, let me help you…you don’t. You might like the compensation, benefits, perks, location, or your co-workers. But you don’t love it. Here’s another test – show me your calendar and your check book, and I’ll tell you where your treasure is.
Pastor, leader, friend, please know this – Regardless of your myriad of skills, you will never reach your full capacity in something you don’t love and doesn’t capture your heart. Also, correctly answering The Treasure Question does not guarantee reaching full capacity. However, not loving what you do will ensure you cannot reach your capacity.
Please check back on Thursday as we deal with the second question all leaders must ask: The Satisfaction Question which states Do I Think I Can Better?