Discernment, according to Merriam-Webster’s concise definition, is “the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure.” I learned discernment from Dan Grant, then president of Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas, where I served as a staff member.
I traveled with him one day to ask a prospective donor for a gift of $1 million.
I watched and listened during the meeting as Dr. Grant began to make his pitch. Things were going well. The donor was interested. And then Dr. Grant simply thanked the donor for seeing us and we departed. He didn’t ask for the gift.
“What happened?” I asked as soon as we got to the privacy of Dr. Grant’s car. “They would have made the gift,” he said, “but I discerned that it would not have been in their best interest.”
Discernment is among the most important qualities needed when organizations are seeking new leadership. Finding, vetting, and securing the right leaders for your organization can be a daunting task and it’s vital to secure the right leaders at all levels of your organization. Your leaders must be able to discern the impact they’re having on the team they’re leading, your customers, and the surrounding community.
FaithSearch consultants bring more than 130 years of cumulative experience in faith-based executive search. If you’re looking for differential leaders throughout your organization that can have a positive impact on your people and community, FaithSearch excels in securing leaders for nonprofit, higher education, and healthcare organizations. Contact the FaithSearch team today for more information.
To learn more about FaithSearch Partners, visit www.faithsearchpartners.com or visit our services page to learn more about what our service lines can do for you.
