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Glenn Brooke | December 19, 2015 | Leave a Comment

The Leadership Choice

A construction crew working on a nearby bridge saved a woman from drowning in the Des Moines River on June 30, 2009. She and her husband went over a low-head dam in a small boat, which capsized. Her husband drowned, and she was caught in the backflow. Her life vest helped her bob up occasionally for a breath, but the power of the water had ripped off most of her clothes and she was nearly exhausted. A crane operator lowered Jason Oglesbee down close enough for him to grab the woman and rescue her. Jason said afterwards, “I knew I was completely safe on the steel cable and harness. I decided I wasn’t coming out of there without her.”

Leaders should resonate with this story.

Jason Oglesbee chose his actions that day. He was brave in a dangerous situation. He had confidence in the strength of the equipment and the skill of his crane operator. He committed himself to hanging in there (literally) to save this woman from certain death.

Leadership is a choice.

As a Christian, I believe God uses us to rescue people. To make things better. To guide, direct, and help.

You can choose to be brave. The power of the love of Jesus Christ is infinitely stronger than a steel cable. We can put our trust in the One who knows precisely how to position you to help others.

You can choose to “hang in there” – to be committed to the cause of helping people. You’re secure with God. You can reach out from that security to others who need love, hope, and help.

I hope you’ll remember this picture (Mary Chind, the photographer, won a Pulitzer Prize for it) when you get into difficult situations. Make the leadership choice. 

Filed Under: Leadership

Glenn Brooke

Glenn considers leadership a craft which requires dedicated pursuit. The apprentice model (instruction + practice + associating with other craftsmen) is the time-tested way to foster the next generation of leaders. Real leaders never stop working on their craft; there are only new levels of mastery ahead. Learn more at leadershipcraft.com.

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Hi, my name is Adam Smith and welcome to asmithblog.com. I am the author of the book, The Bravest You. Because of my work as an entrepreneur, consultant, writer, and speaker, I have been named a top industry influencer by American Genius. I live with my wife, Jasmine, and three children in Shenandoah, IA.

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