I recently encountered a beehive called mediocrity. When you think of a beehive, you are presented two opportunities: one for sweetness and honey or another can be a painful attack. As a leader, you realize quickly that a decision must be made. Do you become the ‘influencer/troubler’ (the person who stirs the beehive and leads the hive to new actions, beliefs, and ways of doing) or do you hear the collective cries that state “we’ve always done it this way” or " let us be”? Will the outcome of your leadership produce honey like that which is found in the choicest of hives or leave a sharp bitter pain because of numerous stings?
I am reminded of a wise teacher who spoke of entering a city. He noted that he could not accomplish the work he was gifted to accomplish amongst the people because of unbelief and familiarity. Unbelief and familiarity become the pillars of mediocrity. The teacher offered much to the people but the people settled for comfort. They rejected his wise teachings and became a source of resistance to his leadership. In turn, the teacher noted that he couldn’t accomplish work in that city. He quickly exited and pursued other opportunities.
As leaders we must discern whether our leadership in an opportunity or atmosphere has the potential for sweet honey and victory or bitterness and tragedy. There are risks at every corner and challenges in leadership. No work of leadership is 100% victory at every moment but eventually there should be evidence that your presence as a leader creates beautiful synergies and impacts for positive outcomes. Your leadership should be value add. Are you connected with those who believe in you, your abilities, and what you stand for? If not, will your attempt of leadership bring disruption that stirs a hive to attack? What will become of your attempts?
Some atmospheres will never change or accept what you bring. Some atmospheres are not hungry enough to step out of what has become a comfortable norm. Take some time this week to assess whether you are connecting with people and atmospheres that receive your brilliance or attack your brilliance. At some point you must be willing to shake the dust from your feet and move forward to the place where your gifts, leadership, and excellence are received and flourish the most. Take time today to consider if your gifts are tied because of mediocrity. What good is brilliant light if it is smothered by a pseudo darkness known as mediocrity.