Relationship and Faith in LeadershipSample

Day Two: A Little Help From Our Friends

Yesterday, we were introduced to Nona Jones, the Head of Faith-Based Partnerships at Facebook, as well as an author, business leader, pastor, and speaker. If not for the influence of trusted teachers when she was young, it's likely Nona’s life would have headed in a destructive direction.

But graduating from high school and college wasn’t the end of her learning. Nona applied for an executive job at age 23 with no experience—and she was hired! But after the first team meeting, she realized she was in way, way over her head. Has that ever happened to you? Has there been a moment in a job or a relationship when you suddenly realize that you are not equipped to succeed on your own or with your current skills?

Nona told me that she had two choices. She could either admit she wasn’t qualified and give up, or she could do her best to get qualified as soon as possible. When she chose the latter, her first step was relational: she admitted to a coworker that she needed help, and her coworker volunteered to mentor her. The more Nona learned about her new world, the more she wanted to learn…and the more she succeeded.

The choice Nona made requires a humble heart, something that God calls us to as leaders. By entering your relationship with Christ and with others in humility, you will be better positioned to succeed. Humility breeds curiosity because, without humility, we will never believe we have more to learn.

“I think as leaders, we really have to build curiosity,” Nona says. “We have to build a willingness to do the work, to educate ourselves, and then when we do educate ourselves, we'll be in a better position to ask the right questions of the people who have the knowledge that we're seeking.”

We should never be satisfied with what we already know. And it doesn’t always have to be coworkers who teach and grow us. For example, Nona tries to read a book every week. She divides the table of contents into seven equal parts so she can stay on pace. It reminds me of Proverbs 9:9, which says, “Instruct the wise and they will be wiser still; teach the righteous and they will add to their learning.”

I’m so glad that someone as wise and righteous as Nona is continuing to learn and grow. It’s a big part of what makes her a tremendous leader and will continue to make her a tremendous vessel for Christ.

To Consider

Is there an area in your life where you need to grow or educate yourself? Is there someone who might help you? Is it an area you should turn to the Lord and look for His strength?

How often do you read good books? How often do you read the Bible?

To Pray

God, help me to be aware of opportunities to learn and grow. You are my ultimate teacher. Amen.