A Leadership Lesson from Mario Bros.

I was playing the old NES version of Super Mario Bros. 3 today (hang with me, there is a really good leadership point coming). I was amazed at how easy that game is for me. I whipped right through many levels and knew all the shortcuts and special hidden items. I was really playing on a Professional level.  That's because I have spent countless hours learning and playing the game in my younger days. I am an insider.

Many times in life there are many areas in which I am an insider. I know where to go and how to get things done. I can breeze right through tasks and I am very comfortable in an environment.

However, as a leader I/we must consider how people who are outsiders feel when interacting with these same environments. As a basketball coach I need to consider how HS students I am recruiting see the situation. Just because I am comfortable applying for college and gaining admission doesn't mean they are. Perhaps they are the first in their family to do so. As a church leader, am I considering how new guests view my church. Just because I am comfortable and know my way around doesn't they are or do. Good leaders consider the experience from the viewpoint of the uninitiated.

As a leader who has followers and people I assign tasks too do I/we consider their comfort level with the assignment. Just because I can accomplish something in 20 minutes doesn't mean they can. I am likely more skilled and experienced plus have better access to the needed resources. Good leaders see things from the other persons perspective and work to get them the knowledge, skills, experience and connections we take for granted.

So I wasn't really wasting an hour playing Nintendo. I was coming up with a great blog post on an excellent leadership topic.

Small Stuff

I have heard the saying, "Don't sweat the small stuff.  And, by the way, it's all small stuff."  I understand that the people who use this quote have good intentions.  They desire to get us all to be less stressed out and less anxious.  The saying is designed to get us to focus on the big picture and realize that most of our "problems" aren't really that major.  I agree that we all need to be less worried and less stressed.  However, I going to encourage you to "Sweat the Small Stuff."

Its the little things in life that make a huge difference.  I have had my entire day change by the way someone at a store treats me.  A boss can lift my mood quickly with a kind word.  My whole week can turn upside down when I get some good news.  A nice note or card can quickly make many problems go away.  A kind gesture can go along way.

Recently, Kristin and I (along with help from others) were able to minister to a man in need in what to us was a very small way.  We were very minimally inconvenienced, but potentially we were a great blessing to someone else.  Likewise, we have been helped in monumental ways by people who likely considered their good deed to be a very small thing.  For us it was life changing.

Here are some ways to do "little things" to help others:

-Be on the lookout.  I am a firm believer that you find what you are looking for.  If you want to see snakes when you go hiking, just be on the lookout.  I am definitely not on the lookout for them so I rarely see them in the woods.  I keep my eyes up and my feet moving.  If you are on the lookout for people in need you will find them.  If you have your "helping" radar turned on I am sure you will quickly begin to spot people who you can minister to.  Get your eyes off your phone and your mind off your own needs and look to see who around you can use a hand, a smile or a word of encouragement.

-Be prepared.  Be ready to help.  Get your finances in order so that if a need arises to help someone you are ready.  Get your life organized and get some space in your schedule so that if someone needs an hour or two of your time it won't be too much of a schedule killer.  Get prepared by praying and reading your Bible.  Be spiritually ready to bless someone.  An empty life cannot overflow and bless others.  Be so full of life that it overflows onto others.

- Be friendly.  The world we live in is lacking in friendly, caring people.  Put on a smile and go out and spread some cheer.  I know that may sound corny, but when you decide to be friendly and cheerful it makes a difference.  We never know what the person we randomly meet is dealing with.  They may have lost a job, have a sick kid or spouse or be dealing with an addiction or financial issues.  Your simple act of being friendly could mean the world to them.  Holding doors, smiling, using your manners (especially when you don't feel like it or in a situation where you could reasonably not be expected too) letting someone cut in front of you at a store or on the road could be a little thing that means a lot.

Be encouraged that your little things, displays of hospitality and kindnesses do not go unnoticed.  Many times we won't realize (until we get to Heaven) what an impact we have been able to have.  Don't grow weary in well doing.  Be the type of person you want others to be.