The Power of Being Available

I have this unverified theory...one of the greatest aspects of leadership is availability. It is a shame to me that as people increase in influence and favor they become more unavailable. Being available can be time consuming, risky, and annoying, but it is also an overlooked tool in a leaders' arsenal. Sometimes I will go and do my work at Panera (or somewhere in public) and I will ask God to bring people across my path that day. I am always amazed at the people who will come and sit at the table with me. It never fails that I encounter someone who would never have come to my office to talk, but are so glad to have a chance to sit down for a few minutes and have some conversation. This is a reason that I leave my facebook account open some days. I am often surprised by the people who will begin a chat with me about life issues simply because my status said "online." I hope that I always make myself available to people. It is simple and underestimated aspect of great leadership.