09/27/2021
Help others see
The young teenager stood once more in front of his leader and took in the praise of the words, “you have great potential”. It was not the first time he had heard that, and it would not be the last. As he grew older, he would hear that observation here and there, but with time his cynicism grew. When people would say that about him, it did not feel as good as before. He would walk away thinking to himself: “what do they see that I cannot see?” Potential for what?
It was not till many years later that the young man discovered through his own experience, failures, and a wounded soul, that he was created in the image of God, and his potential was limited and hidden only because of his own thoughts and perception.
Maybe you have heard similar things said about you. I have heard things said like: “you are not ready” or you “you do need to grow some more”. Though well intended, those things are not very helpful for the person you are saying that to.
As parents first of all, and as leaders it is our responsibility to help our children and those we lead to see their potential, or area of growth that will move them to fulfill their calling. How are we to do that?
First and foremost, do not flatter. Be honest about the potential you see. Or the area of growth they need to work on to move in the direction of that potential. Be specific on what areas you sense they need to grow. With our own children, we can do that without telling them, but by delegating things to them that will make them aware of their current limitation and need for help. Allow people to fail, but then evaluate the experience with them.
Second, develop a plan with them for growth that includes kind accountability, and walk through the process with them. Don’t just give them a plan, let them think about what they need.
Third, give them opportunities to live out and practice what they have been learning. Show them how, do it with them, watch them do it, entrust them more if they succeed. If they fail, start the process again. Don’t give up on them.
Last, remember that we cannot change what we are not aware off. Just because you tell someone something about themselves, does not mean they have become aware of that. Awareness comes through divine revelation or through the process of coaching as a conversation of curiosity takes place.