Three Decisive Actions for Leading Your Team Through the Wilderness

Photo by Steven Lasry on Unsplash

The wilderness is a metaphor that represents what a leader or any follower may experience in times of significant disruption and disorientation. Indeed, the last two years have created wilderness moments and seasons for all of us.

The wilderness as a motif is a pathless waste area and a state of being. When we are experiencing a wilderness season, we will likely experience a sense of bewilderment and a loss of bearings—resulting in loneliness, feelings of desertion, doubt, fear, and unbelief. But in God's economy, it is designed to be a season of preparation and growth.

Previously, we discovered what it looks like to be a leader in the wilderness and to lead in the wilderness. This post will focus on the second and final part of what it means to lead others in and through the wilderness. We have already discerned that leading in the wilderness necessitates a clear voice and a close presence.

If communication is the primary currency of leadership, then voice and presence are the primary commodities of leadership. Yet, one more thing remains as a necessary element to leading in the wilderness. Decisive action helps get people moving again and provides more clarity around what is most important.

In my last post, I introduced another metaphor to aid us in leading others through wilderness seasons. See yourself as a shepherd leader for times such as this. Shepherds have three primary functions in leading sheep—direction, provision, and protection. Below are three specific aspects of those functions that every leader must pay attention to when leading others through the wilderness.

A shepherd leader creates a path where there is no path

Remember, those experiencing a wilderness season find themselves in a pathless existence. These wanderers are not sure which way to turn or to go. The disorientation can be paralyzing. Or, if there is an initial burst of crisis response, there is often an aftermath of confusion and disequilibrium. Exhaustion sets in, and it is nearly impossible for the average follower to regain magnetic north. They are looking to their leaders to tell them which way to go. They are looking for a sense of clear direction. 

As a leader, you must create a path of action in a pathless state. Surely this includes the crisis response when there are major disruptions. But suppose wilderness is defined mainly by trials over time. In that case, you must also provide pathways that get people out of paralysis and move again toward the organization's overall mission. Action reduces lethargy, increases energy, and brings greater clarity. A fresh path may simply consist of the next few steps. It does not have to be a 12-month strategic plan. Keep it simple and clear—but be decisive and orient back to the mission. 

A shepherd leader spreads a table where there is no table

This aspect relates to the provision function of a shepherd leader. The metaphor of the table depicts connection, relationship, and fellowship. It involves food—sustenance that nourishes and replenishes. 

As we all experienced some form of the Covid lockdowns, we began to realize that isolation takes a toll. WFH is a nice acronym that provided a new way of getting work done, but I believe we are still paying the price for not being together more. By design, we are communal creatures, and work relationships form a significant part of our connection journey. And I am convinced that some face-to-face time is necessary for quality collaboration. 

As we reorient and adjust to new norms of work, don't give up on being physically together. Those you lead may need this more than they realize and now more than ever. Create some "tables of connection." Pull them back toward relationship, don't simply mandate it. Emphasize relationship over strategy. Allow quality time for simple sharing so that all may feel heard and understood. Include food and a positive, uplifting environment. These don't have to be elaborate settings. Think through pacing and frequency. 

Here are some things I have observed when these times are created. First, walls drop around the table. People can become more honest and open at a table. Food replenishes the body, and relational connections can help fill the soul. We all need the table in seasons of wilderness and its aftermath. 

A shepherd leader tends to the wounded and protects the vulnerable

Assuredly there will be some you lead who will be more traumatized during wilderness seasons. Some are not only experiencing disequilibrium but have experienced great pain and loss. They may re-enter with a variety of insecurities that don't allow them to show up fully and contribute their best to the cause. Pay attention. Get professional advice on how to best tend to those who are deeply wounded and feel vulnerable. You may need to provide professional help to those in need. You may need to adjust work hours or workloads. You may need to take some time and adapt your HR policies for seasons like this. This is a time to lean into compassion and demonstrate empathetic leadership and not simply strategic leadership. Above all else, listen well. 

The cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night

By way of a final reminder, I turn to one of the most extraordinary wilderness experiences recorded in the Bible. Israel's path from slavery in Egypt to the promised land was a long and circuitous journey. It required human leaders in the form of Moses and Aaron. But more importantly, it was the "cloud by day and the pillar of fire by night." These elements were God's provision for this million-plus people movement. He demonstrated his strong presence through these elements. All could see the unique cloud in the daytime and the obvious pillar of fire at night. If the cloud and pillar moved, the people moved. If they stopped, the people stopped. God's continual, guiding presence was going to see them completely through their wilderness experience as he prepared them for inhabiting the promised land. As leaders, we, too, must never forget God's continual, guiding presence as we live out our shepherd roles.

Here are some diagnostic questions to aid you in your application. 

Diagnostic Questions:

• Are you consistently showing up as a leader with a clear voice and a close presence to those you lead?

• Have you slowed down and taken time to listen to the needs and concerns of those you lead?

• What decisive action or actions do you need to take to bring greater clarity and help move people forward toward your organization's mission? 

• How can you provide "tables of connection" for those you lead—to help revive and replenish them?

• Who among you needs extra attention and help to make it through?

Have you considered the role a leadership coach can play as you navigate the complexities of leadership? Take a look at our Leadership Coaching page and sign up for a free consultation.

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