Last evening I walked a path that travels through woods, over tall sand dunes, and arrives at the Lake Michigan shore. The wind followed me toward the lake, eventually blowing directly at the water. As the wind met the waves, the typically large waves became calm, peaceful, and a bit tranquil. Quite dull, actually. I prefer the action—crashing surf, loud noise—the lake at full potential.

In somewhat similar fashion, organizations will move toward full potential when leaders figure out how to blow with the waves—and not against them. Let's dive in and see what that statement means.

Picture this: The waves serve as the lake's real action. Without them, the lake stands still. What makes them come to life? The wind.

Now, think about volunteers. They serve as the real action of a ministry; if they stand still, the place stands still. It might even become dull. What makes them come to life? It's the wind—in the form of effective leadership.

Whenever I turn toward the people ...