I want to think about leadership like this: "Leading a community is a serious matter, and it is pure play."
This line is a mishmash of a quote that I read in Rick Rubin’s new book, The Creative Act. Here is the original quote:
“Making art is a serious matter.
Harnessing creative energy from Source.
Shepherding ideas into the physical plane.
Participating in the cosmic cycle of creation.
The opposite is also true. Making art is pure play.”
He argues in his book that:
- The best creatives know when to be serious and when to play.
- They understand they are joining a process and energy bigger than themselves.
- They humbly join the creative act, relax, and let it flow. They don’t force it.
- Some like to see themselves as a “tortured soul,” but this is a choice.
- Passive activity (eg. rest, play, etc.) is as important as active activity (the creative act).
This sparked in me a link to leadership, especially within the Christian community. And a series of questions.
What would it take for us to:
…think of leadership the way Rick speaks about Creatives?
…take leadership both seriously and as pure play?
…rely on the creative energy coming from our constantly creating God?
…join with Jesus and help shepherd ideas, strategy, and plans into our world and communities?
…be co-creators with God, Jesus, and Spirit?
…not describe ourselves as tortured or leading as exhausting–but as purposeful and a joy?
…understand the interdependence of rest and play with leading and activity?
Perhaps we could write our own version of this short passage like this:
“Leading is a serious matter.
Harnessing creative energy from our creating God.
Shepherding ideas into our communities.
Participating in the cosmic cycle of creation with God, Jesus, and Spirit.
The opposite is also true. Leading is pure play.”
Now, this is leadership!
