Change Your Mind

I read this over on the SAMBA blog and it really struck me. It’s about changing our minds. Allan writes from a business perspective, but what he’s saying has applications across the board. Namely, for leaders of churches.

One of the scarcest traits, rarely found, is the ability and willingness to be persuaded.

Strangely, while most people individually will agree on it’s value, I think societally we’ve deemed it a sign of weakness. We seem to glorify those who remain steadfast in their positions and “stick to their guns” no matter what, instead of those weak willed individuals who are sold on an alternate idea and “flip flop”.

I think this stems from the experiences we’ve all had of being manipulated, and more importantly manipulating others. We know both feelings all to well and they shape us.

The truth is this apparent vulnerability is one of the greatest strengths one can possess. True leaders know this. True leaders don’t care about the perceptions. True leaders change their minds.

How many leaders do you know that willingly change their minds based on what those around them are saying? Unfortunately, not many. Add to this the “God called me to do this!” language and you have on your hands a stubborn, arrogant leader who now, apparently, has God’s backing. *shudder*

I think there’s being focused and there’s being headstrong. Often times I think leaders–especially church leaders–confuse the former with the latter.

Do you know of any great church leaders in your life who are able (and willing) to change their minds? Who are they and what have you learned from them?