By Chad Hershberger
I like to write. That probably is not surprising to frequent readers of this blog. Writing is something I have enjoyed since I was a kid. In one of my earliest “what do you want to be when you grow up” memories, I drew a picture of me as a writer. I was in fourth grade, I think, and the picture I drew showed me at a desk, writing, in the top of an A-frame (CML had an influence on me even back then).
Over my career, both professionally and as a student, I had the fortune of writing for several newsletters. When I was in my church youth group, they started an officer position called “Youth Reporter” and I got my feet wet writing articles about our activities for the church crowd. In college, I started a column called “In Conclusion” for Penn State Lutheran Campus Ministry’s newsletter. Because I had a following back home in church from my high school days, the church secretary was kind enough to republish my articles there, as well.
When I worked as a public relations director for a local county, we had an employee newsletter. I got to write for it. And, of course at camp, I’ve written in our newsletters, blogs, and other media.
Recently, as I was preparing some more blog posts on leadership, it dawned on me that writing may be an important part of leadership. Taking time to write down your thoughts, dream a bit, or express lament or frustration helps. It’s been my experience that writing down my feelings makes them more real and when I read what I wrote, I often see more clearly. At the very least, I usually feel better!
It’s also been interesting for me to go back and read my writings and my feelings previously and see how much I’ve grown. I read what my younger self wrote and can’t believe I thought that way!
I think for leaders, writing can be an important part of the evaluation process. Write down how you feel after an event you planned. Keep notes on conversations you’ve had so you can remember what was said. Stare at a blank piece of paper and use it as a canvas to write down your dreams for yourself, your family, or your organization.
I’m certainly glad that I took time to write down some of the stories of what my kids did when they were little. I’ve gone back and read those, and they have made me laugh, ponder, and also see the growth of my offspring. They were good stories, too, and I definitely would have forgotten them if I hadn’t put them down on paper.
Get out your pens, or your Word documents, or even the notes app on your phone. Write away. I think you will be glad you did!