SCRIPTURE: “And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law” (1Corinthians 9:20 (KJV)
QUOTE: “Let no one think that flexibility and a predisposition to compromise is a sign of weakness or a sell-out” – Paul Kagame
NOTE:
According to Brian Tracy, flexibility in a time of great change is a vital quality of Leadership. Leaders must learn to be flexible. Flexibility and the predisposition to compromise is not a sign of weakness or sell-out. Thomas Jefferson puts it this way: “In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” Flexibility is not compromise as long as principles are upheld. For flexible Leaders, the principles are the same but the methods can change. The ‘What’ remains the same but the ‘How’ can change or vary.
Flexibility is an increasingly important trait in a rapidly changing economic and social environment. Flexible leaders are those who can modify their style or approach to leadership in response to uncertain or unpredictable circumstances. In addition, flexible leaders can adapt to changes as they come. They can revise their plans to incorporate new innovations and overcome challenges, while still achieving their goals. Rigidity in approach can hinder the effectiveness of a Leader. Flexible leaders have the ability to change their plans to match the reality of the situation. As a result, they maintain productivity during transitions or periods of chaos.
ILLUSTRATION:
Apostle Paul was a Leader who was flexible and adaptable. No wonder he made lots of impact in his Ministry. From our scriptural text in 1 Corinthians 9: 20-23, He declares that he was all things to all people. To the Jews he had an approach. To the gentiles he had another approach. He upheld the standards and laws of God but he adapted his methods for his variety of audience. This is what flexibility in Leadership is about. Leaders must learn to be flexible.
REFLECTION:
- Are you depending too much on any one behavior?
- Have you considered alternate approaches to solving a problem?
- Are you open to trying new suggestions or strategies from others?
TWO YEAR BIBLE READING: Catch-Up Day, Psalm 74