John B. Savage, EMBA

Executive Director

When I was on the road to becoming an Eagle Scout, my Scoutmaster (a former Green Beret) would always say “When the going gets tough, the tough gets going!”  Well, that wasn’t exactly the encouragement I was looking for in a difficult time, but it did serve a purpose to keep me on the (straight and narrow) path.  Over time, the “tough” got tougher, and kept on going, and I finished the race.

While that works for some, it seems we still get discouraged from time to time.  And, when does that happen?  When the going gets tough!  And the going gets tough, when reality departs from expectations.  Often we’ll find ourselves saying “this is more difficult than I thought it would be.”  This has been true of my experience on the board of a Christian School who thought that taking the narrow gate was a scripturally sound focus that would please God, and would, therefore, be full of blessing.  We thought that starting an elementary school would be, well…elementary!  While it has been full of blessing, it has also come at great sacrifice for those in leadership.

Sometimes we assume that being in the center of God’s will means that everything is rosy. If you’ve walked the path of leadership for even a little while, you know that’s not true.  God has a plan to shape and mold you to become more like Him!  Your business or ministry may be just the kiln he wants to use to make sure the pottery is curing toward perfection!

But, be encouraged.  There is hope. 

Not long ago, I learned that the word “encourage” basically means “to give courage.”  In other words, when we are dis-couraged, we are simply running short on the courage we need for the difficulty we are experiencing.  When we seek to encourage someone else, we must necessarily come alongside them to bolster their courage to finish the journey.  Encouragement isn’t about making things easier, but rather strengthening the inner mettle to keep going.

So, when you find yourself saying “this is difficult,” don’t let that slide into discouragement.  Rather, ask God and others to give you the courage you need to finish the task at hand.

A core module of the SLI Experience™ is purposed to build common unity amidst those peer leaders who are in the program together.  When the going gets tough, it’s extremely critical to have someone you can call on to bring encouragement during a difficult time.  In the context of leadership, it’s often helpful for that person to be outside of your own organization to bring objectivity and perspective.  If you’ve always wanted to be part of a leadership peer group, the SLI Experience™ might be just for you.

To launch or join a group, get in touch with us at info@StrategicLeadership.Org or (877)248-7944.

John B. Savage, EMBA is the Executive Director of Strategic Leadership Institute.  He can be reached at JohnS@StrategicLeadership.Org