If you learn something profound, it ought to change the way you live, right? Sometimes, though, as Paul lamented, we quickly divest ourselves of the knowledge and go right on doing exactly what we were doing before. For me, I hope that’s not true this time.

My learning has been enriched by many people, not the least of which is our charming 5-year-old niece, Faith. Her mom (Vivian) wrote down some insightful observations on the realities of raising her this past year, then sent them out as a sort of yearend checklist for the rest of the family. I’m going to use it! 

Focus. Slow down. Hurry up. Buckle up.

She walks without watching where she’s going and walks into a wall, a pole, a mailbox. Focus.

She runs too fast, slips and falls or runs into the wall. Slow down. 

We’re running late and she moves at her slowest speed. Hurry up

Every time we get in the car, I say buckle up. Are you buckled? Sometimes I need to say it 3 or 4 times. Buckle up 

Observations: 

How often do I walk without looking where I'm going and run into something? God says focus.

How often do I go too fast and slip and fall? God says slow down.

How often do I take my sweet time in doing something I need to do? God says hurry up.

How often, as I head out, as I start my day, God say's are you buckled? Do you have me with you? 

So whatever situation you’re in, may you know whether you need to focus, slow down, hurry up or buckle up! 

The late Robert Munger, author, pastor, leader, and one of my cherished mentors, once said to me, “Remember, Doug, go slow, lay low, and don’t blow.” I was starting a new job and Bob thought this advice would keep me from losing it prematurely. At the time, I wasn’t quite sure what he meant. 

As time passed I found myself violating every suggestion he had given. I raced to get things changed. I got myself elevated to target height, and sure enough, people started taking shots at me. I often missed opportunities to build trust and the cost of that was horrendous over time. I blew it!

Years progressed with better and better outcomes, and I remember “chanting” Bob’s advice over and over. I instructed each new employee to abide by the truths he had offered me when I was the new kid on the block. Surprisingly, his counsel was the most profound tutorial on leadership I could have possibly received. To this day, I use it as a Rotarian might use the Four-Way Test, or a pilot might meticulously check his/her preflight list. 

Sometimes good advice comes in small packages. So add these Bob & Faith-bites to your lexicon and go out and lead well! 

Focus

Slow Down

Hurry Up

Buckle Up 

Go Slow 

Lay Low

Don’t Blow 

Blessings

Doug

Write me if you need some help, advice, or a kick in the pants... dlawrenceconsult@mac.com