Emotional intelligence, to me, is at the heart of effective leadership. I once heard Jordan Peterson articulate a powerful idea: "A harmless man is not a good man. A good man is a very, very dangerous man who has that under voluntary control." This resonates deeply with how I’ve approached leadership—whether in business, with my children, or alongside my wife. I’ve always operated by a simple principle: "Don’t poke the bear."
Now, I don’t say this as a threat or to suggest that the "bear" would ever lash out at my family. Rather, it’s about leading from a place of meekness—a quiet strength—while making it clear that there’s a formidable force beneath the surface. It’s not about intimidation; it’s about respect. You don’t want to prod that bear awake. If you do, the consequences won’t be pleasant. This aligns closely with situational leadership—knowing when to be gentle and when to stand firm.
Take Jesus as an example. He led with meekness, embodying grace and humility. But when pushed—when they "poked the bear"—those tables in the temple didn’t stand a chance. He flipped them with authority, not out of malice, but to assert a point: He was still the same compassionate Savior, yet also an unyielding leader when the moment demanded it. That balance of meekness and strength is what I strive for—a controlled power that serves, protects, and, when necessary, corrects.
Good Evening Pastor Jon just listening to this, really very helpful we are going through a transitional stage some very hard decisions and honesty has had to be said this is so so helpful as the Lord myself and my wife to our next chapter !!! Blessings Steve
I wish all young, ambitious leaders would check out this latest episode. From experience, I have seen their zeal, intelligence and technical acumen run roughshod over their supporting teams - the real assets. Thanks Jon!
Good word. For me, I’ve learned that meekness simply means obedience. Meekness means cultivation of the nature of Christ within myself. My priority is not defending myself or allowing my insecurities to bully me into driving me to try to control everything and everybody. l no longer represent my company or myself, but I’m representing Jesus through me. My strength and authority and power is submitted to Jesus - the nature of Jesus within me. Strength or power submitted to who Christ is within me. If I’ve been I’ve been bought with a price and I’m no longer my own, who am I representing? Myself or Jesus? That’s where I’ve failed early in my business life and in many challenging circumstances when leading. I default to the defensiveness of my fallen nature. I’ve had to cultivate and develop the reality of who I really am and that’s a servant and king and priest under the joyful obedience to respond and react according to who I am in Christ. I’m no longer representing myself, but Jesus. I’m under the control of the One who bought and paid for me by the act of unconditional love.
Emotional intelligence, to me, is at the heart of effective leadership. I once heard Jordan Peterson articulate a powerful idea: "A harmless man is not a good man. A good man is a very, very dangerous man who has that under voluntary control." This resonates deeply with how I’ve approached leadership—whether in business, with my children, or alongside my wife. I’ve always operated by a simple principle: "Don’t poke the bear."
Now, I don’t say this as a threat or to suggest that the "bear" would ever lash out at my family. Rather, it’s about leading from a place of meekness—a quiet strength—while making it clear that there’s a formidable force beneath the surface. It’s not about intimidation; it’s about respect. You don’t want to prod that bear awake. If you do, the consequences won’t be pleasant. This aligns closely with situational leadership—knowing when to be gentle and when to stand firm.
Take Jesus as an example. He led with meekness, embodying grace and humility. But when pushed—when they "poked the bear"—those tables in the temple didn’t stand a chance. He flipped them with authority, not out of malice, but to assert a point: He was still the same compassionate Savior, yet also an unyielding leader when the moment demanded it. That balance of meekness and strength is what I strive for—a controlled power that serves, protects, and, when necessary, corrects.
Great thoughts Tim. And I think you have always presented that in a very healthy way for the many years I’ve known you!
Good Evening Pastor Jon just listening to this, really very helpful we are going through a transitional stage some very hard decisions and honesty has had to be said this is so so helpful as the Lord myself and my wife to our next chapter !!! Blessings Steve
Thanks for your feedback brother. Praying for you guys in this season.
I wish all young, ambitious leaders would check out this latest episode. From experience, I have seen their zeal, intelligence and technical acumen run roughshod over their supporting teams - the real assets. Thanks Jon!
Amen Skip!
Good word. For me, I’ve learned that meekness simply means obedience. Meekness means cultivation of the nature of Christ within myself. My priority is not defending myself or allowing my insecurities to bully me into driving me to try to control everything and everybody. l no longer represent my company or myself, but I’m representing Jesus through me. My strength and authority and power is submitted to Jesus - the nature of Jesus within me. Strength or power submitted to who Christ is within me. If I’ve been I’ve been bought with a price and I’m no longer my own, who am I representing? Myself or Jesus? That’s where I’ve failed early in my business life and in many challenging circumstances when leading. I default to the defensiveness of my fallen nature. I’ve had to cultivate and develop the reality of who I really am and that’s a servant and king and priest under the joyful obedience to respond and react according to who I am in Christ. I’m no longer representing myself, but Jesus. I’m under the control of the One who bought and paid for me by the act of unconditional love.