Serve To Lead

The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.

Jonas Salk

It’s that season again. I’m not referring to tornado season or rainy season (although those are in full tilt as well and P.T.L we weren’t affected by one that ripped through our region just 3 minutes from our home last night).

It’s transfer season, and I don’t mean the NFL, NBA, MLS, or any other professional sport transfer window. I’m not referring to the insanity that is the NCAA portal either. It’s that time of year in which many in the education field either get out, get another position, or get to looking for “greener pastures.”

As a coach this time is always exciting because you can see people taking new and advantageous positions. Friends call and discuss new opportunities and there’s just a general buzz at the end of the year. It’s almost like watching a real life version of “Teacher-Center,” as satirized by Key and Peele…..minus the millions of dollars of course…. but I digress.

As leaders we must be patient, diligent, logical, and analyze any and all opportunities, including the one that we’re currently holding onto. And that’s the topic of today’s Sunday Mindset: Just how green is the grass? Is it green where we water it, or is it truly greener on the other side of the fence?

When posed with new opportunities, a great first step is to perform a SWOT analysis of both the position you have and the one you’re offered.

No not that SWAT. Although sometimes opportunity does seem to breach your life rather than just knock. SWOT: Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats. Have you analyzed these criteria for the position you’re currently in and compared/contrasted the opportunities you’re interested in? Good leaders will take these steps! What’s holding you back?

Of course what’s holding you back is the old adage, “The grass isn’t always greener.” and the mindset that you should “bloom where you’re planted.” Contrary to popular belief that’s not actually scriptural. Here’s what the good book has to say on the matter from Psalms 1:41:

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers.

Your growth and development as a person, professional, and LEADER are not rooted in any one place. For Christians such as myself, mine is rooted in my faith and adherence to God’s plan for me. If you’re not a believer then your growth and development should be rooted in your personal values and character.

Yes, the “grass” grows where it’s “watered.” But, wherever you are there will be “storms, rain, and wind.” There will also be “droughts.” And sometimes, the “soil” where you’re planted doesn’t allow for your “blooming.” Here are three things to consider this week when faced with an opportunity that’s currently knocking at your door or just a reflection of your growth where you are.

1) What’s the forecast?

Does the organization you work for possess, protect, and preach a vision that allows for your growth? Are there more storms ahead than there are sunny days? Don’t misconstrue that though. Some rain is needed to truly grow to your potential. It strengthens your roots in who you truly are and what you want for yourself and your career. But if every week is tornado season… it might be time to find a new field.

2) Is anyone tending to your growth?

Are you the only one tending to the soil around you? Are you supported, challenged, and nurtured by your superiors and co-workers? If not, you may be in a drought. And though change is hard, you need to handle hard better. Sometimes the difficulty associated with change is exactly the catalyst your career and work ethic need.

3) Are you surrounded by weeds?

What’s the culture like in your current organization? Are you surrounded by negativity, lack of connection, and mediocrity? True, weeds grow everywhere, but if the culture and leadership around you isn’t actively clearing them and creating an environment for you to bloom, then you, your leadership, creativity, and growth are going to get choked out.

Reflect on these questions and determine the areas you need more growth in. If you’re staying put, then get to growing yourself. And, sometimes it’s just time for a change. Be still and quiet and determine just how loud the opportunity is knocking. Invite the rain, it makes us better. Take some advice from the late Keith Whitley when it comes to dealing with it though.

I'm no stranger to the rain
But there'll always be tomorrow
And I'll beg, steal, or borrow a little sunshine
And I'll put this cloud behind me
That's how the man designed me
To ride the wind and dance in a hurricane
I'm no stranger to the rain

Regardless of your decision, practice gratitude for what you have, kindness to everyone around you, grow from the difficulties you’re facing, and provide leadership in the position you’re blessed enough to have currently. Have a blessed week.