There are few qualities in leadership that can rival the importance of discernment. Discernment is the ability or quality of being able to grasp or understand something that is obscure (Webster). In an age when organizations and individuals for that matter require careful navigation through decision making the gift of discernment is ever so critical.
It is incumbent upon seasoned leaders to guide those who are being brought into leadership positions to share their experiences, both good and bad, that have shaped and molded their ability to discern situations for what they are and make good decisions. Laissez-faire leadership or leaders who are timid about their leadership role especially in turbulent times can suppress its leadership potential and kill organizations. This is especially true if young leaders are not overseen or supervised with their behaviors or how public they may be attempting to exert their influence to others that may overstep the actual role or policies of the organization. No where is this more evident than in situations where young leaders in private, public, or church/not for profit organizations get involved in the political arena.
This is not to say political issues are off limits to organizations but there needs to be tempered decision making, i.e. discernment and wisdom used when venturing into this area. If not handled properly (using discernment) private companies run the risk of losing shareholders and profits. Public entities, i.e. schools, police, fire, park districts, etc. risk alienation of stakeholders and losing support for tax subsidies. Church/not for profit organizations have the most to lose. They risk not only a loss of support by attendees or the congregation reducing donations but becoming too political runs the inherent risk of losing their not for profit status.
As an active participant in the 1960’s I can relate firsthand the mistakes I saw by young leaders and organizations that went by the wayside due to a lack of discernment. What happened to many of these young leaders? Many acculturated into the system. Still others used what they learned and began effective change from within. In essence, they began to rely more upon the gift of discernment to be more judicious in their decision making.
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