Byron's Babbles

Another lesson from C. S. Lewis jumped out at me this morning as I continued my rereading of Mere Christianity. Lewis said, “Christ told us to judge by results. A tree is known by its fruit; or, as we say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating. When we Christians behave badly, or fail to behave well, we are making Christianity unbelievable to the outside world” (p. 207). Yes, he was speaking about Christianity and the fact that people not acting in concordance with what they say keeps others from believing Christianity, but I believe there is a lesson for everyone here. Our actions and results matter! Leaders can apply this lesson by focusing on the outcomes of their actions and decisions. They should strive to lead by example and demonstrate the values they preach. By showing integrity, compassion, and responsibility in their leadership, they can earn trust and credibility from their followers and society as a whole. In other words, walking the talk.

Another metaphor that could be used is the idea of a lighthouse. Just as a lighthouse guides ships safely to shore in the midst of a storm, leaders should guide their followers through challenging times with wisdom, strength, and direction. The light from a l serves as a beacon of hope and stability, just as a’s actions and decisions can provide reassurance and guidance to those who look up to them.

Actually, we need to consider the lighthouse metaphor lacking today from a results standpoint. Just like leaders must continue to grow and develop in both technical and emotional intelligence, there have been advances making the use of lighthouses obsolete in some cases. If we want more accurate information to that of a few feet given by a light we would need a Global Positioning System (GPS) plotter with a heads-up display able to work in any light level or any weather conditions, and overlay navigation marks onto a real-world view. But let’s not forget that sometimes GPS systems may fail for certain reasons. So having a more analog system like lighthouses can serve as a backup.

The need for new navigation and GPS systems reflects the ever-evolving technological advancements help individuals navigate through complex situations with precision and efficiency. Similarly, leaders who embrace the latest tools and strategies are able to adapt to changing environments and lead their teams effectively in a fast-paced world.

On the other hand, the lighthouse represents a more traditional and reliable form of guidance that has stood the test of time. Old school leaders, like the lighthouse, rely on their experience, wisdom, and core values to provide steady and unwavering direction to their followers. While they may not always have the flashiest or most innovative approaches, their commitment to timeless principles ensures stability and trust in times of uncertainty. Bottom line is all of these examples go back to and reinforce the idea that we should be judged by our results.