STORY

Reilly once facilitated a critical meeting to determine whether Cistercian College Roscrea should remain open or close. The lives of literally hundreds of people would be impacted by the decision.

Prior to the meeting he asked a wise Cistercian monk his advice on handling the meeting.

The monk pondered the question for some time before replying. 

‘Take a blank sheet of paper and write one word in bold capital letters across the top.’

The word was:

WAIT

‘Wait for what,’ asked Reilly innocently.

‘WAIT is there to remind yourself that any time you catch yourself talking during the meeting to ask ‘Why Am I Talking?’

The monk paused again before adding. ‘Then turn the entire outcome over to God.’

INSIGHT.

• As leaders we often assume that our value lies in having the answers, expressing an opinion or moving the conversation forward. Sometimes our greatest contribution is to stop talking.
• WAIT does not mean avoiding a decision. It means creating enough space for other voices to be heard, for better questions to emerge and for the wisdom already present in the room to surface.
• It also means recognising the limit of your control. You can prepare carefully, ask the right questions and guide the conversation. Eventually, however, you must release your grip on the outcome and trust what comes next.
• Perhaps the most powerful question you can ask as a leader is not, What should I say?’
• It is, ‘Why am I talking?’

QUOTE.

‘Reilly, what if God knew how best to use you, and you let go of your own agenda? What if you simply said ‘God, use me,’ and trusted that whatever happened to you next would be right for your life?’                                                                                              —The Monk to Reilly.

QUESTION.

Where in your life or business might you need to talk less, listen more and loosen your grip on the outcome?

POSTSCRIPT

The landmark decision taken at that infamous meeting ten years ago was to remain open. Today the school has more students than ever before and is flourishing.

Another landmark day in the history of the College happened earlier this month when the college welcomed girls to the school for the first time. 

Reilly couldn’t help smiling as he thought again about that monk, that blank sheet of paper and God’s plans for the College.

PPS

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