Those who are into hip-hop from the 90's will remember the song, "OPP" from a group called Naughty by Nature. The song was vulgar in its suggestion as the trio's name suggests, but they had thousand yelling their anthem. I have a different approach for the acronym, O-Other P-People's P-Perspective.  As a leader I can be so committed to “my vision” and “my way” of accomplishing that vision that I can actually kill it. How? Because I must first approach a vision from the stand point of, its God's vision, not mine. Then God brought me a dream and he will bring others to help in its advancement. To that degree their perspective is as valuable as mine.

Leadership requires a greater level of attention and care from the key person. But I need others to help in the formation of the things God has placed in my hands. I learned this lesson recently when a young lady, who is on my staff, and a recent graduate significantly enhanced how we approach our programming. She after having an opportunity to work at our churches leadership meeting began to question and challenge how we do things. My first thought was, 'who do you think you are', but I invited her so she was exactly who I needed her to be. She begin to ask questions that I had decided I already knew the answer to, and began to take my words and thoughts and make them better.

After she completed pushing back on what I held so dear, I began to see more clearly how the ministry could be greatly advance through her point of view. Now, I like to think that I give my leaders voice to challenge things, but it is different when one does it so powerfully yet humbly.  Had I not listened, I would have been making a dyer mistake. Because of OPP I anticipate great growth. 

If you are a leader, I challenge you to allow someone new to push on the vision God has given you. If you are a student, look for chances to give your perspective when possible. God brings the right people at the right time to accomplish His purpose. Those voices can sometimes come from the most unsuspecting places. "Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety." Proverb 11:14