8 Principles: Define Reality
“ 8 Principles: Define Reality”
Last week we began to look at the ‘8 Principles for Growing a Healthy Organization.”
The second principle is:
2. Define Reality
Max Dupree aptly said, “The first job of a leader is to define reality.”
Who are you as an organization? What is the score? Are you succeeding? Where do you need help? Many organizations want to define who they think they are, or what they hope they are -and it does match the truth.
Years ago, in a church I pastored near Atlanta, we decided to define who we were. We had been growing for several years, but growth had slowed and both the church and the community around was changing. We ordered a demographic study of the area and found that we were still matching the community and decided to only make minor adjustments in our approach to ministry. There was a problem. The demographic study was based on an older census. The community had changed significantly. We could see that, but the study showed us what we wanted to see- instead of facing the truth.
Many organizations stubbornly stay the same, believing the outcome is going to be the same as the past. Our miscalculations caused us to decline in ministry over the next year, because we refused to define and face reality.
Who are you really? What is the true make up of your community or customers? Define reality.
Last week we began to look at the ‘8 Principles for Growing a Healthy Organization.”
The second principle is:
2. Define Reality
Max Dupree aptly said, “The first job of a leader is to define reality.”
Who are you as an organization? What is the score? Are you succeeding? Where do you need help? Many organizations want to define who they think they are, or what they hope they are -and it does match the truth.
Years ago, in a church I pastored near Atlanta, we decided to define who we were. We had been growing for several years, but growth had slowed and both the church and the community around was changing. We ordered a demographic study of the area and found that we were still matching the community and decided to only make minor adjustments in our approach to ministry. There was a problem. The demographic study was based on an older census. The community had changed significantly. We could see that, but the study showed us what we wanted to see- instead of facing the truth.
Many organizations stubbornly stay the same, believing the outcome is going to be the same as the past. Our miscalculations caused us to decline in ministry over the next year, because we refused to define and face reality.
Who are you really? What is the true make up of your community or customers? Define reality.
Recent
Archive
2026
January
February
March
April
Leadership Principles of Jesus #3Leadership Principles of Jesus #4Leadership Principles of Jesus #5The Power of TruthThe Deity of ChristThe Incarnation—God With UsLeaders Who Last Part 1القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الأولवे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 1Líderes que Duram, Parte 1Lideri care rezistă, Partea 1Líderes que perduran, primera parteJesus Died for Our SinsResurrection and AscensionOvercoming the WorldThe Promise of PeaceThe Peace of GodThe Spirit of TruthPeace in the Midst of Conflictالقادة الذين يدومون الجزء الثانيLíderes que perduran, parte 2Lideri care rezistă, Partea a 2-aLíderes que Duram, Parte 2वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 2Leaders Who Last Part 2Facing Doubt with Truth
May
The Implications of Believing in GodThe Denial of God’s WordEmbracing the Truth for PeaceThe Tabernacle and the VeilThe Sacrifice of JesusBold Access to GodLíderes que perduran, parte 3Lideri care rezistă, Partea a 3-aवे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 3Líderes que Duram, Parte 3القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الثالثLeaders Who Last Part 3Peace in the Midst of TrialsPeace with GodThe Peace of GodLiving in PeaceComfort in Troubled TimesThe Promise of JoyJoy Beyond CircumstancesLíderes que perduran, parte 4Lideri care rezistă, Partea a 4-aLíderes que Duram, Parte 4वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 4القادة الذين يدومون الجزء الرابعLeaders Who Last Part 4The Joy of Access to GodOvercoming Internal StrugglesThe Shepherd Who ComfortsExperiencing the Fullness of JoyBuilding RelationshipsThe Reality of PersecutionObedience through LoveLíderes que perduran, parte 5Líderes que Duram, Parte 5वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 5Lideri care rezistă, Partea a 5-aالقادة الذين يدومون الجزء الخامسLeaders Who Last Part 5The Importance of CommunityLove Your NeighborThe Reality of BelongingCelebration of CommunityExpecting OppositionThe Power of Seed PlantingLíderes que perduran, parte 6Lideri care rezistă, Partea a 6-aStanding Firm in FaithLíderes que Duram, Parte 6वे अगुवे जो टिके रहते हैं, भाग 6القادة الذين يدومون الجزء السادسLeaders Who Last Part 6Choosing Your MasterThe Example of HumilityThe Ultimate SacrificeResponding to God’s Call
No Comments