Pick it and stick with it

More than anything on my trip to Haiti, I learned leadership lessons I will never forget.  When the Sister, who for almost 30 years,  has lead the Coty Project we were a part of last week, spoke, people listened.  And the things they are accomplishing there in Haiti amidst the darkness speak volumes of what happens when a life is focused and devoted to God.

My first leadership lesson:  Pick it and stick with it

The airport in Port Au Prince is not exactly JFK, the airport from which we departed.  There were multiple buildings, but a few of them looked more like advanced barns than they did steel structures.  A band did play loudly in one of the hallways however, and that was nice. We went through customs and headed for the madhouse that was the baggage claim.  Actually it was more like a free for all.  Our bags just happened to be as heavy as they would make them as we were hauling medical supplies, so no one would be able to grab them quickly.

The team of 5 I flew in with finally rounded up our gear and made our way to the exit.  Shortly before we found our way to the end of the tunnel though, we were introduced to Sister Eunice, the head of the Haiti Plunge, and one of the best leaders I’ve ever met.

My first lesson was here, in this place when we met.  She told us, “when you go outside, you pick someone to help you with your baggage, and stick with that one person.  You say, ‘You are my person’ and deny everyone else.  Focus, because it’s crazy out there.”  I had no clue what she was talking about until we walked outside where there was a huge red fence at the exit, and hundreds of people wearing red hats, and apparently wanting to help me with my baggage.  I then realized that what works in America would not work here in the Port Au Prince airport, and now was not the time for tactfulness.

I picked a person out of the throngs that vied for my attention, and looking him straight in the eye, I said “You, please take these.”  He did, and we began walking to the truck where our bags would end up.  But another man also helped him with my bag.  The bag did not need two guys carrying it, but as we walked to the truck, I wavered and thought that this man was doing such a nice thing, I should give him some money too.

Sister Eunice disagreed.  In my first experience with tough love for the week (and as you’ll find out there was plenty more), she asked me, “Did you hire this man?” pointing at the man I hired.  “Yes, I did,” I responded.  “Did you hire this man?” She asked again, except this time referring to the other man.  “No, I didn’t, but I can…”

“NO!  You didn’t hire him, and so he needs to learn that.  Do not give him any more money!”

In retrospect, I understand what she was saying, but at the time, I thought it was a bit harsh.  But the overall lesson I learned this week, she had begun to teach me, and would continue to teach me throughout the week:

This is not about a one week excursion to make you feel better Marty, this is about developing people and developing their culture.  So start here.  Pick one, and stick with that one.  This will teach a work ethic and not endorse or create begging.

I think now about all the things that I waiver on, and realize the dangers and roadblocks this creates to the vision God has given me to accomplish here in New England.   When it comes to decisions that need to be made and plans that need to be executed, there is very little room for indecision.  Sure there is a time at the beginning where you craft and plan for what will happen, but then you carry it out and make it happen.

You pick it and stick with it.

Related posts:

1. Haiti’s Heartache
2. A Visit from Brooke
3. Haiti’s Hope