In my previous post I outlined some of the shifts that confront leaders during the current pandemic and cultural struggles. This post begins a series of posts on practices we as leaders can engage in order to survive and thrive in the face of such challenges.

When I was a fifth grader, I had the privilege of playing the lead role in the biblical story musical, Moses and the Freedom Fanatics. A fun fact was that my future wife played sister Miriam, and brother Aaron was played by my older cousin. A true family effort!

I still remember most of the commitment song which Moses sang:

Come walk with me, I cannot see the way ahead.
Come walk with me, I’m scared and all alone.
When I must speak I stutter and stammer and I just wind up in a fainting mutter.
Who am I for God to call on me to set us free?
Please come and walk with me.

I am definitely no Moses, but as a twelve year old these words, a call and a question, emblazoned into my heart. Over four decades later the same incredulity and tentativeness regularly resurface. What is my calling? Why me, at this time? What does it mean to be faithful? How do I make and keep a covenant during tumultuous times?

This song returns often, at times in the quiet recesses of my mind, and sometimes singing out the refrain in public. It is a living feature of my story, a core component of my identity. It reminds me that I am called to be a leader, and that I’m not in this alone.

During times of rapid and unpredictable change, it is easy for leaders to feel as if there is little solid ground from which to operate. Externally, that may well be true. But each of us has arrived at this moment with an expansive set of resources to tap into; we are who we are in this moment because of the stories that have made us.

Leading in chaotic times requires that leaders have clarity on personal values and identity. We must constantly remember both the why and the who of our calling.

One way to stay connected to our why and who is by remembering. When we review our story of faith, growth, struggle, and success, we are reminded that we really are prepared to serve and lead in times like these. It doesn’t mean it’s easy, but it does mean it’s possible!

Here are a few questions to help you remember your story:

Who has helped you along the way?
What have been your greatest successes, and what have you learned from them?
What have been your biggest disappointments, and what have you learned from them?
Where have you found joy?
What are the gifts, skills, and passions that you have drawn on most regularly?
What have you had to give up?
What have you been able to take up, perhaps quite unexpectedly?

Do you have questions to add? I’d love for you to share them in the comments below.

Remembering our story will help us clarify our personal values and reconnect with our core identity. Such clarity is critical for leadership in a changing world.

For help in clarifying your personal values and remembering your story, contact me at jonathan@artistryleads.com. I’d welcome the opportunity to be your companion on the leadership journey.