One of the first books I suggested upon our arrival in the EDSJ was Leadership on the Line by Linsky and Heifetz. Another book I would recommend by Ron Heifetz is Leadership without Easy Answers. I write these words from the Diocese of Virginia's Retreat Centre at Roslyn (outside Richmond). More specifically and adding to the contextual reference, I am attending my final College for Bishops. As you would hope and expect, we are giving considerable attention to the subject of leadership hence my reference to the aforementioned tomes. Today, our colleague Rob Wright, Bishop of Atlanta, presented on leadership and offered this marvelous Ron Heifetz definition: "Leadership is the capacity to mobilize people to address tough problems especially those problems people want to avoid." As I have commended Heifetz's work to you I certainly encourage you to give prayerful thought to this definition. In addition, I urge you to consider the ways in which this definition is an active reality in the contexts and circumstances in which you exercise any type of leadership. My own contribution to this conversation is that the word 'nice' cannot be found anywhere in the scripture and yet far too often it is the modus operandi employed in the ways leadership is exercised. My point is 'nice' hasn't nor ever will mobilize people to address tough problems especially those problems people want to avoid.

Bishop Rob also talked about purpose and he offered this simple albeit distinguishing equation:

 

Rob concluded his conversation with us by way of offering this rather poignant query, he asked: "What is your purpose?" After a few moments of pondering and reflection our group of third year bishops offered responses which were varied yet similar. My response was: "My purpose is to join Jesus in changing the world." And Rob's reply to each of our offerings was: "So what if you begin each day with those words as an 'aspirational reminder' of how and who you are Called to be...?" (I added that last bit)

Sisters and brothers of the EDSJ, what is your purpose? I invite you to ponder and reflect on that query. And as a response begins to crystallize please ask yourself: "So what if you begin each day with those words as an 'aspirational reminder' of how and who you are Called to be...?"

Blessings

+David

College for Bishops June 2016