OVER THE HORIZON LEADERSHIP REQUIRES OVER THE HORIZON VISION

When I was a Naval Aviator assigned to an aviation squadron, an important part of our mission was “looking over the horizon” serving as the “eyes” for aircraft carrier battle group. The curvature of the earth limits the distance the captain can see to about 35 miles. Technology has given the captain the ability “to see” hundreds of miles. This ability “to see” with air search and surface search radar and below the surface with sonar provides a protective cone for the battle group.

In much the same way the leader of a company, a business, a team, a church, or a family must be able to “see what is out there.” Danger can come from a variety of cultural influences, competitive forces, and divided loyalties and affections. The leader must provide a “protective cone of integrity” for those he or she is responsible for. If not, if there is no vision, then the enterprise may be in danger from these forces or of simply running aground. In Kouzes and Posner’s classic, The Leadership Challenge” they write this:

“Beyond the horizon of time there is a changed world---a world different from today’s world. Some people see across this boundary of experience and into the future. They believe that dreams can become realities. They open our eyes and lift our spirits. They build our trust and strengthen our relationships. They stand firm against the winds of resistance and give us courage to continue the quest. They take us to places we have never been before.”

During this present experience with COVID-19, I would say that “over the horizon leadership” is more important than ever, because “leadership” is being tested at many levels. The time to stand firm against the winds of resistance is so important at the basic core of our society, the family. This is the time for leaders to “open eyes and lift the spirits” of those whom they lead. Now, it is critical for leaders to build our trust and strengthen our relationships. Perhaps most importantly, leaders must give those they lead “courage to continue the quest” so we come out of this fog going to those places we have never been.

Lastly, my bride was given a word recently that I would like to share, especially for those who are wearied by the journey: “Step into it---this new thing---this new anointing---I call it forth now in great measure---increase---expansion, multiplication---Day of Pentecost. Magnification---call them forth, these ones I have purposed for this time. I will reveal them---where the light shines, they will be revealed---right in front of you---‘Look’.” Pat Barnes

Barney Barnes, Promise Keepers National Ambassador for the Military and Prisons, 11 May 2020