The Kentucky Derby is a grand spectacle. While I'm not much for big hats and mint juleps, the majesty of a thoroughbred running the "fastest two minutes in sports" is somehow inspiring.
While the large group of multimillion dollar horses bolted around the track, Saturday, I thought of the plow horse back at the farm lunging forward in reticent obedience to his master. The farm horse has no prize to win, no promise of a crown and no wildly cheering fans. But the productivity of a plow horse is no less important.
I wonder how a group of plow horses would fare at their own Plow Derby. Would a plow horse run for the roses? Alternatively, how would a racehorse plow a field? Could he be restrained?
I've observed answers to my questions as I have raced through my career. Some leaders think a horse is horse, of course. In the past I've noticed some leaders, who treat a horse as a horse, have little regard for innate talent, and the results are predictable.
A thoroughbred will fail at the plow. A plow horse will be lost in a derby.
Leaders need to determine the gifts of staff members. Leaders must make an observed assessment of the potential of each team member. We lose time and productivity when we have misaligned our team and their fields of work.
Sadly, a plow horse, even with a big heart, will fail in a race with thoroughbreds. And a restrained thoroughbred, encumbered by the reins of a leader with mud encrusted goggles, will surely stumble and fall from boredom.
God gives us the gifts and talents necessary to fulfill His purpose. He leads us beside still waters with our gifts.
Thoroughbred leaders seek first to align a team based on talent and desired outcomes.
"He gave some to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, for the equipping of the saints, for the work of service, and for the building up of the body of Christ" (Eph. 4:11-12).
Dr. Steve Greene is the publisher and executive vice president of the media group at Charisma Media and executive producer of the Charisma Podcast Network. His book, Love Leads: The Spiritual Connection Between Your Relationships and Productivity, is now available.
Leaders, Dr. Greene wants to help you understand the spiritual connection between relationships and productivity. Read his new blog, here.
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