If only recognizing opportunities were that easy!
“I was seldom able to see an opportunity until it had ceased to be one.” – Mark Twain
As I was graduating college Marla and I were faced with choosing between two great opportunities. We had been through two interviews, for two different churches, and had been offered both jobs. Choosing the opportunity that was right for the both of us was one of the most difficult decisions we have ever had to make. Through much praying, weighing of the options, and getting Marla’s take on the the opportunities (Dave Ramsey talks about the benefit of seeking your spouse’s input in his book EntreLeadership), we made a decision.
We are no longer serving at that church, but we do believe we made the right choice. We learned so much in the two years we were there, and it help set us on the path we’re on today!
When it comes to opportunity we must be able to do 3 things:
1. Recognize opportunities: Leaders must be able to recognize the right opportunities for themselves and others. Not all of the opportunities we come across will be right, but they will all be more beneficial than the unrecognized ones! Here is a Business Insider article on recognizing opportunities
2. Take opportunities, right or wrong: We won’t always get it right 100% of the time. As leaders we must be willing to take a chance, and if we make a wrong decision we must learn from it! As a student of mine says, “you’ve got to risk it for the biscuit”! Here is a CNET article on missed opportunities
3. Give opportunities: I knew I wouldn’t be working in the church forever. In fact, we knew going into the opportunity that we were to groom one of the young men in the church to one day replace me. I gave him as many opportunities I could. I helped him plan series and then let him preach the entire month as I planned our next quarter. He also led and planned events! As a result he and I weren’t in competition for the position, but rather energized by the process! Here is a Leadership Freak blog post on preventing burn out and energizing your team!
I’m not saying you have to sit by the door, but when opportunity knocks, be ready to answer it!
What’s your opportunity story?
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