Read/Act Model of Leadership

NM LTC April 2019

Air Force study – what is the common denominator of all successful leaders?

What is the read/act model? r/a – R/a – r/A – R/A

I believe the men of Issachar (were good examples of R/A were great examples of R/A. “They were men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do.”

1 Chronicles 12:32 LEB

And from the men of Issachar: men who were skilled in understanding the times to know what Israel should do. Their chiefs were two hundred, and all their kinsmen were under their command.

Proverbs 24:30–34 LEB

I passed by the field of a lazy person, and over the vineyard of a person lacking sense; and behold, it was overgrown—all of it was covered with thorns, its surface with nettles, and its stone wall was broken down. Then I myself saw and my heart considered; I looked, and I took hold of instruction: A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands for rest, and your poverty will come running, and your lack like an armed warrior.

30 I went past the field of a sluggard, past the vineyard of someone who has no sense; 31 thorns had come up everywhere, the ground was covered with weeds, and the stone wall was in ruins. 32 I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw: 33 A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest— 34 and poverty will come on you like a thief and scarcity like an armed man.

Not reading situations well has significant implications for us personally, as well as for us in leadership.

In Proverbs, the person who is in trouble over and over again is the “simple” – refuses to acknowledge complexity, and thereby resists engaging it.

§ "How long will you simple ones love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?

§ For the waywardness of the simple will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them

§ A simple man believes anything, but a prudent man gives thought to his steps.

§ A prudent man sees danger and takes refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.

Learning to Read well.

· We must be filled with Holy Spirit –

John 14:26 LEB

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name—that one will teach you all things, and will remind you of everything that I said to you.

o But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to.

o At its base every Gospel narrative of Christ is potentially a R/A learning event.

§ Ask the question – what is really going on.

Learning how to act well.

· If you don’t develop skill in reading situations well, you will not understand how to act.

· If you are quick to speak, respond – learn to slow down. Practice “silence” and deep reflection so that you can hear from God.

· Don’t slip into passivity – be decisive.

· Don’t act too soon or you will run over people.