#gls15

1) Every leader (or human being, one might argue) needs a cause, a purpose, a “white hot why” (phraseology courtesy of Bill Hybels) behind what they do. I knew mine had to do with God and with how much I love people, whether it’s babies, children, peers or the elderly. B suggested that mine might be making people better, which means that through the act of teaching or encouraging or leading people to Christ, my desire and purpose is to see others challenged and growing into more than they were before.

2) Comfort is kind of the enemy. I think our natural bent - or mine, anyway - is to try and have things as easy and lazy and comfortable as possible. But over and over again, the speakers drove home the point that progress should be difficult. The development of grit or perseverance demands difficulty and not ease (Bill Hybels). Being emotionally intelligent requires the courage to display vulnerability, share weaknesses, and have hard conversations (Brené Brown). Improving ourselves and our relationships means that we will need both positive AND negative feedback, the latter of which, I’ll admit, terrifies me (Sheila Heen). Liz Wiseman had several tips for accessing “rookie smarts” and the learning that comes with being a scared newbie, including throwing away your notes, admitting what you don’t know, and disqualifying yourself by taking a job that is too big. I really felt like God was challenging me to do things that scare me and step out of my comfort zone, because it’s there that He can showcase His strength and power, there that I will need to fully rely on Him.