FOLLOW THE LEADERKotter says that it is only when a vision has these essential characteristics
that it will be a ‘transformational vision’ resulting in the positive, needed,
relevant transformation of people, businesses, organizations, society.
Kotter also says that “...major transformations are often associated with one
highly visible individual.”^20 That’s the leadership factor. If anyone in society
is in the “business of transformation,” it is the church of Jesus Christ!
The pastors and church leaders should be the leading ‘transformational
leaders’ in society!
Vision first transforms the leader – who in turn transforms the followers
through an effective communication of his vision. Just as his vision
activates him and makes his life count for something, he wants it to bring
the same transformation to the thinking and living of others. All of us –
especially “transformational leaders” – live with a growing awareness of the
brevity of life. There is a sense of urgency to make life count for something
significant and eternal. That’s why King David prayed to God:
“Show me, O Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting is my life. You have made my days no
longer than the width of my hand; the span of my years is as
nothing before You. Each man’s life is but a breath.” (Ps. 39:4–5).As a result of this awareness of the shortness of his life, David was not
despondent or depressed – he was decisive. He said: “My heart grew hot
within me, and as I meditated, the fi re burned” (Ps. 39:3). That’s a
description of the white-hot passion of vision burning in a person’s heart
and mind! It is the fire of vision that inflames a person to live for God –
and burn out in the process if necessary! Only a Godly vision will inspire
a person to make his life count for time and eternity! The only way we
can live like that is through the wisdom of God rather than the wantonness
of man during our brief sojourn through life. That’s why Moses prayed:
“ Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom”
(Ps. 90:12)
According to John Haggai, this kind of vision comes from what he calls
“inspirational dissatisfaction.” Within the spirit of every person who
emerges as a leader, there is a brooding dissatisfaction with the status
quo – both within his own life and in the circumstances around him.
This growing sense of personal and vocational dissatisfaction becomes his
inspiration and motivation for change. As Haggai says: