Situational Leadership Values

An interview with Larry Law, Founder and CEO of Living Water Resorts, Collingwood ON

When you face situations that may never be faced again, it’s a giant learning curve. It takes courage, humility and wisdom plus a reliance upon God to help you make the right decision. That’s not easy! In fact, mistakes happen, and you must be prepared to learn from them. In a nutshell, situational leadership requires “the wisdom to see what is right and the courage to do it,” says Larry Law. Avoiding self-seeking values is what will make a difference.  It’s important to have the desire to do good, and to try to act with loving kindness and compassion towards others. An attitude of seeking to give excellence is another strong value. 

Larry’s Story: Larry Law explores this topic from a biblical and practical perspective, highlighting examples and learning from his own experience. While CEO of Living Waters, Larry Law also launched into another exciting project, namely, to design and build a new seniors’ residence complex in Collingwood, Ontario.  For the past 25 months, huge challenges have confronted him, including a shortage of materials, cost overruns, an issue with the work ethics of some of the trades, etc. In fact, this has been one of the toughest times he has ever experienced, but he has also learned a great deal.

Through God’s help, he has maintained a peaceful, calm spirit – most of the time, that is – and best of all, he has firmly held on to his faith and clung to unshakeable hope. How has he achieved this? By focusing on spiritual purpose. He has found renewed energy, excitement and joy through contemplating how many seniors will one day prosper, experiencing quality living and compassion from future caregivers; he dreams of them laughing often and making wonderful friends with other residents. If this vision becomes reality, all current trials and leadership issues building this new facility will feel totally worthwhile! 

The most challenging thing to learn is how to apply knowledge in different circumstances. Faith in God as a life purpose and commitment to building strong relationships is what will make a huge difference. Knowing your specific purpose in life is also crucial to staying focused on serving God and serving others. In Larry’s case that purpose is to seek to please God. Knowing how to fight destructive attitudes such as anger, impatience or self-centredness, can also make a huge difference. Larry tells a story to illustrate this. A few months ago, around 7 pm. He was walking through the site of the new seniors’ retirement home under construction, when he heard an angry voice yell loudly, “I’m the only one working! Why am I the only one forced to stay, when the others get to go home?” 

Startled, Larry silently began to pray before responding to this worker. He chose to not speak in anger but to try to acknowledge the man’s feelings of resentment. “You’re doing a good job, and I thank you for working late tonight. I understand how you feel, and I’ll try to talk to your boss, he replied.” Larry then continued to walk through the site. Half an hour later, a happy voice called out, “I’m going home now!” At first Larry thought it was another person working late. But it was the same worker.  He even lifted his hand to wave goodbye. What a difference! Larry was amazed by this heartwarming change in attitude, and thanked God for leading him to know what to say and do, to avoid fanning into flames added resentment.

Biblical Principles

• Be humble: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 NIV

• Ask for wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5 NIV

• Be courageous: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.”1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV

In conclusion, learning to do the right thing, not as a single voice but as a team, requires relationship building. Together is better. When you work for others plus with others, everyone benefits! You can learn much from one another, especially if you treat one another with respect, listen carefully to those around you, and commit to doing things together with patience, loving kindness and forgiveness. 

Drawing near to God through prayer, reading God’s Word daily and humbly asking God for guidance, wisdom and mercy, is an ongoing spiritual learning journey. But it pays great dividends by helping to build excellent relationships and it will prepare hearts to confidently face future leadership challenges.

“Connecting your Sunday Faith to your Monday Work”

The Canadian Christian Business Federation exists to support business leaders in the study and application of Biblical Leadership Principles with peers, in order to transform lives, strengthen businesses, and positively influence and impact our world. www.ccbf.org

Nancy Kingdon is an author and freelance writer who writes these stories as a gift to the CCBF ministry.  She may be reached through: www.writinglegacy.com