Leaders Provide Light

My bucket list includes a desire to photograph unique lighthouses.

At the top of my list is the Fanad Lighthouse on the Fanad Peninsula in Ireland. I think there may be a couple of good golf courses nearby, as well.

The lighthouse has been standing since 1804. The photographs I’ve seen of it are breathtaking. But, I’d rather have my own average picture of it than to drool over another photographer’s snap.

I’d like to make a trip to Newport, Oregon to photograph Yaquina Bay Light. And of course, I want my camera to see the Start Point Lighthouse in England.

I can list many more lighthouses to visit, but this isn’t a travel blog. I simply want to share a thought about leaders and lighthouses.

The location of a lighthouse provides insight into the purpose of the structure. Lighthouses are planted to light a path for ships through dangerous waters. Some lights are navigational; others are strong warnings.

Leaders develop a lighthouse identity. 

A leader becomes known for how she helps others stay clear of troubled waters. She sheds light on difficult situations. The leader is steady and true and provides light for every circumstance.

Members of a work team seek the direction and calm of steady light. Confusion sets in if light turns to dark. Companies tend to float aimlessly when the lighthouse is missing.

The workplace needs a strong compass. True north is often hard to find.

Today’s Scripture

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a basket, but on a candlestick. And it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16). 

Platform Tip No. 141

Separation anxiety.

Sometimes we become so in love with our content that we forget the intended audience. Worse than that, we forget that our content is developed for the sole purpose of meeting felt needs.

When we move too far away from our audience, we soon lose our voice. And then we lose our platform.

{eoa}