“Dreamers Of The Day” Leaders Roll Up Their Sleeves

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We last left off discussing the difference of day dreamers vs. “Dreamers of the Day” with the major difference being: day dreamers have a vision, while “Dreamers of the Day” are able to realize their vision in the real world. Finishing our conversation on becoming a “Dreamer of the Day” leader, brings us to a discussion on getting real world results though prayerful execution of your vision.

Execution, not imagination, has captured the attention of those who believe that ultimately, leadership is less about wonderful visions and more about getting results in the real world.

Let me state that last part again:

leadership is less about wonderful visions and more about getting results in the real world. Execution, not vision

is the new watchword of the leadership literature as an increasing emphasis is placed on the fundamentals of executing strategies. (See Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan’s, Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done, Crown Business, 2002, NY).

But, for some reason, followers of Jesus are especially susceptible to Mae Doyle’s problem. We seem to get easily confused about God’s part and our part in the leadership process. And so…

we need a reminder that taking strategic action —executing— is a necessary component to accomplishing God’s will.

Let me explain.

A fiat (not the Italian car) is a command or act of the will that creates something without further effort. God created by fiat, meaning that by the “mere” power of His Word and will a billion (or more) galaxies were spun into orbit.

By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth…For He spoke and it came to be; He commanded and it stood firm.

(Psalm 33:6, 9)

The author of Hebrews writes,

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible”

(Hebrews 11:3)

The Apostle John records the words of those gathered around the glorified Christ,

You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being”

(Revelation 4:11)

As theologian Emil Brunner observed,

No difference exists between what God wills and what He can do.”

For human beings, there’s a big difference.

No leader, no matter how visionary or verbally persuasive, possesses the power of fiat. Human words do not call new realities into being.

E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) drew a helpful distinction between two different types of “dreamers” in his introduction to Seven Pillars of Wisdom.

All men dream; but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds Awake to find that it was vanity; But the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, That they may act their dreams with open eyes to make it possible. This I did. “

Leaders who “dream by night” believe that the act of casting vision is enough and that others will get to work and make it happen.

Leaders who are “dreamers of the day” roll up their sleeves and get to work executing the vision.

Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and work hard to execute your vision?

This is your reminder that taking strategic action —executing— is a necessary component to accomplishing God’s will.

Today, consider what actions you are taking that show how you are a

Dreamer of the Day!

About the Author: Mark McCloskeyMark is a graduate of Miami University (BA) and Bethel Seminary, Minnesota (MDiv). He earned his PhD at the University of South Florida in the College of Education, Department of Leadership Development. His focus of study was organizational leadership, adult education, and research and measurement.

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