Through the Lens of Others

I did a lot of thinking this week about perspective – especially about being open to other perspectives from mine.  As an artist and photographer, I like to view my subjects from different perspectives.  If I just move a few feet one way or another, zoom in or out, or look at it in different lighting, the image sometimes transforms from ordinary to extraordinary.  Not everytime - but when it does, it's amazing - and well worth the time I spent.  In my interactions with people, it is not as easy as stepping from one side to the other.  But I can “zoom in” and focus on what's being said.  It usually means letting go of my tightly held views – some would say my attachments – long enough to hear that gem of an idea that transforms my thinking.  When I feel myself getting particularly stuck or emotional, it's a red flag telling me to let go and open up to what the people and the world around me have to offer.

So I've been practicing letting go. Here's what I noticed:

• When listening to a concern from a fellow congregant, a light bulb came on that transformed my ideas about how the Board could be using advisory committees to provide us with insights on our policies. 
• When a Board member asked about experimenting with the agenda for our meeting, I realized we could potentially transform the experience of our Board members by changing the way our meeting process flows. 
• While talking with a friend and congregant about our plans for the future of our congregation, I had a wake-up call about why many members may not be energized by “vision-speak” because of health problems, age or other personal circumstances which keep them focused on today and tomorrow and making the most of the short-term. 
• At least twice this week, I sent email which was received differently than I intended or expected, showing me once again how important it is to have that voice or facial expression to gauge our interactions with others, and how important it is to consider, consciously, the perspective of those I communicate with over email before I hit the send button. 
• And when my family members remarked on how they already had a specific conversation with me just the day before, it reminded me to stop what I'm doing and just be with them, listening to them, with the respect that is due to them.

Some of these seem so simple, so basic, so obvious. But isn't most of what we do?

In our congregation, it is one of the Board member's primary roles to listen to the perspectives of our members to help us to “frame” that picture of our future. Who do we want in our picture?  What will the image look like?  What are we willing to give in exchange to have that picture become a living reality? Whether you are someone who must only think about tomorrow or someone who likes to imagine a new future, you can share what you value enough in church and life to spend time to get it.  November 13th is one opportunity for First U members – all ages – and visitors to do this.  Check out church communications for the details.

Many thanks to all who have helped me broaden my perspective over the past week or so – and to those who will do so in the future.  You are helping me to be a better leader.  I hope I can return the favor.

In faith,

Nancy