Application

This morning I spoke to one of the most respected voices in the insurance industry about work, life, and church. (Let me suggest that you read some of his articles.) He made the comment, "The biggest challenge we face is application, not just knowledge. We are exposed to so much through books, seminars, sermons, tapes. We drink so much, but applying it is so difficult." He continued, referring to quality relationships, "A primary focus would be to challenge each other, to encourage each other."

We know it all. Or, let me say, we know enough. There are a few tricks I don't know, but the primary fault I have seen (in me and others) isn't not knowing or knowing how, but not doing, not applying, not capitalizing on the knowledge.

The common theme that has been recurring the last couple of weeks is not simply to know or to understand or to learn (all are important), but to do something with it. To quote an old applicable text with one word changed, "Knowledge by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

Thank you to Dr. Ed Brenegar for referring to my post today on Leading Questions.

Comments

[Ed Brenegar]

Brad,
I totally agree that application is the great need today. The great performance gap is between the thinking and doing. Between having a vision and living it out in concrete terms. I have come to the conclusion that the decisive point between knowing an idea and putting that idea into practice is personal initiative. It is the exercise of the will to act on the ideas that we value that elevates leadership to a higher performance level. You are right we know plenty of ideas. To become people who act on our ideas is to also elevate the character of our lives, giving us greater authenticity in our relationships. I'm glad that you are writing on this topic because it is very much needed. Thank you.

[Bryan Robinson]

Great Post. I liked Reagan's article on trust. The success of my business (like most) depends on trust. I think his breakdown of trust is accurate, although I would put more weight on the intimacy variable. I guess I tend to side with the old saying "people don't care how much you know, they want to know how much you care." Just my opinion. I'm sure that trust is a dynamic entity that is different for everyone.