Been talking a lot of systems and leadership the last couple months with the Leadership Learning Group. I’ve been enjoying re-reading some great material. I’m not sure how you define maturity, but here’s something that might help you think about maturity (and immaturity)….
“Automatic behavior is the hallmark of immature people. Bent on survival, they accept few challenges and experience little growth. Immature people react with a small part of themselves to a small part of their world. They limit themselves by paying attention only to what is close up, by focusing on the moment, and by posturing in defense. Essentially they let the things around them inform and shape their lives.Maturity increases survival. For the long haul, reflection and resilience are needed. Mature people respond with a large part of themselves to a large part of their world. They move beyond limiting conditions by seeing what might yet be, by allowing time for things to process, and by responding with self-control and poise. They have a greater capacity to modify and shape their environment.”
-Peter Steinke, How Your Church Family Works, 1993, 93-94.
What helps you respond to a large part of the world with a large part of yourself? What are the barriers?
