First Chronicles mentions the people of
Issachar “who had
understanding of the times” (12:32) and were able to instruct Israel what
to do. Wouldn’t it be a blessing to have
such a gift—to be able to understand exactly what is going on in our time and
discern the right path to follow?
Occasionally we see persons with this gift in business, government, or
the church. These individuals seem to be
able to understand not only what is “trending,” but what is important to pursue
in order to assure a successful future.
Not
everyone has the gift. Although the
remark may be apocryphal, many point to a statement attributed to Thomas J.
Watson, chairman of the board of International Business Machines in 1943 to
prove it is hard to predict the future: "'I think
there is a world market for about five computers.”
Although few may have the gift, there are some
actions that we might embrace in order to catch a glimpse of “the next big
thing” that will change society or empower the ministry of the church.
First, we can keep our eyes and ears open. Leaders need to be exposed to new and even
controversial ideas. This means reading
outside your field, especially publications like Fast Company. Browsing through and listening to TED Talks is
also very stimulating and encourages creative thinking.
Second, we can learn from others and ask a lot
of questions. When Patrick Lencioni’s consulting
company begins working with an organization, they go in with a blank slate—they
have done little or no research and they come asking questions. They want to provide what the organization needs
rather than sell what they do. Don’t be afraid
to ask questions that provide clarity and insight. The only “bad” question is the one you did
not ask.
Third, we must value what has worked but not hold
it too tightly. Everything was new and
innovative at one point from the pipe organ to the rotary telephone. Although some things—inventions, processes,
and programs—endure and are adapted over time to maintain their effectiveness,
others need to be given a respectful funeral.
We can give thanks for what has served us faithfully, but we must
recognize when it is time to move on.
Fourth we must be willing to experiment and experience. Before
we commit too completely to a new idea, try it out in small ways or visit
places where it is being done. When I
was involved in a building program several years ago, the architect suggested
that we use a new type of floor covering.
A wise member of the committee asked, “Is there some place where this
has been used for awhile that we can visit?”
We will want to try things for ourselves, but we can also learn from
others’ experiences.
Fifth, we can play with possibilities. Before we get too deep into the planning
process or implementation phase, we should take a step back, see if the pieces
can be arranged differently, or ask if there are other ways to approach this
that we have not considered. An idea may
be the “hot item” right now, but is it something that promises to endure over
time?
Although the origin of the quote is not clear,
this statement has a lot of truth to it: “The best way to predict the
future is to invent it.” We help to create the future for our organizations
by the choice of what we will embrace and encourage. I pray we will have the wisdom of the people of
Issachar in doing so.
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