Is there another way to view your situation – to gain a different perspective? (184-4)

The difference between leaders and followers is perspective. Read Habakkuk 3:1-19.

In chapter 1, Habakkuk had one perspective – he saw evil in Judah perpetrated on the defenseless people by corrupt leaders and a silent God. Following his prayer and interaction with God he had quite a different perspective. By the end of chapter 3 he is able to express total trust in God in every situation. Once his perspective changed he went from a doubting prophet to a leader who spoke truth to the people in Judah, Babylon and to leaders around the world today.

Perspective is a particular evaluation of a situation or fact, especially from one person’s point of view. It is a measured assessment of a situation, giving all aspects their comparative importance. Perspective is a mental view or outlook that shapes a leader’s opinion of the situation. The understanding of perspective is often best captured by quotes from history’s leaders:

• “The shepherd drives the wolf from the sheep’s throat, for which the sheep thanks the shepherd as his liberator, while the wolf denounces him for the same act, as the destroyer of liberty. Plainly the sheep and the wolf are not agreed upon a definition of the word liberty; and precisely the same difference prevails today among human creatures.” Abraham Lincoln
• “When one door closes another door opens; but we so often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door, that we do not see the ones which open for us.” Alexander Graham Bell

Perspective is simply a matter of how an assignment or project is viewed by the leader. It is a leader’s perspective that determines if a process or project has a chance to succeed. A leader’s perspective determines if the job is to get done and who the person is that can get it done.

Understanding that perspective can change is critical to a leader’s success. Any assignment can go from a dream to a nightmare and visa versa based on perspective. Leaders who understand the power of managing perspective have discovered a truth that will change their leadership from good to great.

Where are you feeling good about your leadership and where are you feeling inadequate or under pressure? Have you evaluated your perspective? Is there another way to view your situation – to gain a different perspective? When a Christian leader seeks God’s perspective they will find great confidence in their actions. Where a leader was once perplexed they can find peace. Where a leader was once confused they can now find contentment. Where a leader was once fearful they can now have faith in the future. All these changes can be created by a change in perspective.