Byron's Babbles

I finished reading The Reformed Pastor by Richard Baxter yesterday. I was reading this book as part of my C. S. Lewis research. Baxter was an influence on Lewis’s views on Christianity as well as the inspiration for the “Mere” part of Mere Christianity. I was fascinated by how evergreen Baxter’s work was for having been first published in 1656. I was also amazed at how Baxter used an easy to understand, concise, and relatable voice. He actually talked about how being easy to understand is an important leadership trait. While Baxter’s audience for this work were ministers, this is a very insightful book on leadership for all. One of the references he made toward the end of the book was that of Michelangelo’s meticulous approach to preparing his own materials for artwork. Baxter told us that Michelangelo made his own brushes with his own hands. In my research of this, I found varying accounts of whether this was true or not. Regardless of whether myth or fact, it is still a great metaphor.

Baxter used this example to illustrate the importance of dedication and hands-on involvement in one’s work. Baxter emphasized that Michelangelo took great care and pride in his craft, which reflects a deeper commitment to excellence. By personally crafting his tools, Michelangelo demonstrated a deep commitment to his art. Leaders can benefit from being personally invested in our projects and teams, which can inspire others and foster a culture of dedication. By being involved in the process, Michelangelo could fully understand the challenges and nuances of his artwork. If we take time to engage with those we serve we can build stronger relationships and identify areas for improvement more effectively.

Just as Michelangelo carefully selected and crafted his tools, we should pay close attention to the details of our work environment and processes. This can lead to better quality outcomes and a strong foundation for success. The process of creating his own tools reflects Michelangelo’s continual pursuit of mastery. We should encourage ongoing learning and development for ourselves as well as within our teams, empowering individuals to hone their skills and bring new ideas to the table. This was a huge part of the point of Baxter that we need to continue studying and learning and making sure we are teaching others.

This speaks to the whole point of Baxter writing The Reformed Pastor. He was driving home the fact that true leaders and ministers should take the time to cultivate their skills and be intimately involved in their tasks, much like Michelangelo did. This hands-on approach allows individuals to fully understand their work, connect with it on a personal level, and ultimately serve others more effectively. Baxter highlights that such dedication can inspire those around us and lead to more impactful leadership.