Most people only pay attention to professional Track and Field once every 4 years when the Summer Olympics comes around. But for the handful of us who enjoy watching people run in circles at incredible rates, we were recently treated to Cole Hocker running an indoor mile in 3 minutes 45 seconds. That’s about 16 miles per hour…most people can’t run 16 miles per hour for 52 feet, let alone for 5,280, and that’s not an exaggeration!

But imagine if the United States Track and Field coaches looked at Mr. Hocker and said, “Cole, we really want to emphasize our Shot Put Squad this year. We know that you can run a mile in 3:45, but our team needs more guys to pick up this heavy metal ball, cradle it awkwardly under their chins, spin around a few times, and heave it forward as far as they can. So congratulations, welcome to the team!”

Most distance runners have a difficult time even picking up one of the balls used in shot put, and they are more likely to subsequently drop it on their foot than propel it forward with any semblance of strength. Conversely, the elite shot putters who I’ve known were unlikely to ever run except if the cafeteria was about to close!

But so often in life, the predetermined agenda takes priority over the people. Some plan is decided upon by an untouchable executive or well-intentioned, but out-of-touch leader. And they end up making world-class milers into mediocre shot putters…and then blaming their employees or athletes for the predictably underwhelming performance.

A good leader, rather than deifying his program or agenda, takes inventory of his PEOPLE first. He gets to know them and learns to appreciate their unique talents and passions. And then he puts them in the ideal position to succeed and thrive.

Love God. Love people. And then let the agenda flow from those axioms rather than trying to force Cole Hocker to be the next gold medalist in the shot put

1 Corinthians 12