Sharpening the Axe: Continuous Development

A key theme of Bishop Tedroy’s presentation was the importance of continuous personal development, illustrated by a story about a lumberjack whose productivity waned because he failed to sharpen his axe.

The story goes as follows: A lumberjack was hired for a new job, and on his first day, he worked extremely hard, chopping down 45 trees. He felt proud of his accomplishment and went home feeling satisfied. On the second day, he returned with the same enthusiasm and worked just as hard, but managed to chop down only 35 trees. He was puzzled but decided he would work even harder the next day. On the third day, he arrived earlier, skipped his lunch break, and worked late into the evening, but he only managed to chop down 25 trees. The lumberjack became increasingly frustrated as his output continued to decline, despite putting in more effort each day.

Finally, on the fourth day, his boss approached him and asked, “Why are you working so hard but producing fewer and fewer results?” The lumberjack responded, “I don’t know. I’m working longer hours and putting in all my strength, but I just can’t cut as many trees as I did before.” The boss then asked, “When was the last time you sharpened your axe?” The lumberjack was taken aback and realised he had not sharpened his axe since he started the job.

Bishop Powell used this analogy to emphasize the importance of regularly sharpening one’s skills, knowledge, and spirit. He referenced Ecclesiastes 10:10, which says, “If the axe is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.” This highlighted the necessity of working smarter rather than simply working harder.

Bishop Powell related this principle to Continuous Professional Development (CPD), which is essential in many professions, including teaching, engineering, and ministry. He stressed that leaders must always seek to grow, adapt, and sharpen their abilities in order to stay effective and relevant. Whether in their careers, family life, or spiritual walk, leaders must consistently strive for improvement.

Know Your Identity, Purpose and Methodology

Understanding one’s identity, purpose, and methodology was another foundational point of Bishop Tedroy’s address. He underscored that knowing who you are and understanding your reason for being—your purpose—is crucial to being a leader. Purpose, he explained, is distinct from vision; it is about fulfilling what was intended. Methodology, on the other hand, refers to the composite of methods used to achieve one’s purpose, requiring leaders to adapt to different contexts and challenges.

Bishop Tedroy shared that in his career as an engineering manager, he had to apply different methodologies depending on the circumstances. For example, when cutting different types of metals, different cutting tools and approaches were required. Harder metals, like tungsten carbide, needed specialised tools to cut effectively, while softer metals could be cut with more common tools. This analogy illustrated that effective leadership requires versatility and the ability to choose the right approach for each unique situation. Leaders must understand the specific challenges they face and adjust their methods accordingly to achieve the desired outcome.

1. “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
2. “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” – Mark Twain
3. “Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.” – John F. Kennedy

Character vs. Personality

Bishop Powell emphasised that personality might open doors, but it is character that keeps them open. He noted that cutting-edge leadership requires consistency of character, integrity, and reliability—attributes that enable leaders to maintain their influence and credibility over time. He encouraged attendees to reflect on their actions not just in professional environments but also within their families, church communities, and everyday relationships.

He used the example of his time as an engineering manager, where his Christian values guided his actions in the workplace. Despite facing challenges, including being passed over for promotions and dealing with workplace prejudice, Bishop Powell remained steadfast in his character. His commitment to justice, fairness, and excellence eventually led to his promotion and the respect of his colleagues, demonstrating that character truly sustains leadership.

Cutting Edge Leadership in Practice

Bishop Powell also shared his experiences of being the only Black person in a managerial role and how he used his position to make a positive impact. He employed members of his church and worked to integrate his faith into his professional life, showing that leadership is not confined to the church but extends to all areas of life. He faced setbacks, including criticism and challenges, but his resilience and faith helped him persevere.

He spoke of the importance of recognizing and adapting leadership methods to different environments. Bishop Powell recounted his time working with specialized materials in engineering, such as tungsten carbide and stellite, and how different tasks required different cutting edges. This experience taught him that leaders must be adaptable, using the right tools and approaches for the specific challenges they face.

Leaving a Legacy

In his closing remarks, Bishop Powell challenged each attendee to consider the legacy they would leave behind. He used the example of Frederick Douglass, a leader who fought for justice and equality without seeing the full fruits of his labour. Bishop Powell reminded everyone that cutting-edge leadership is about making an enduring impact—one that may outlast the leader themselves. He emphasised that leadership transcends the platform or pulpit; it must make a difference in families, communities, and society at large.

He also spoke about the process of transformation, comparing it to the potter’s wheel in Jeremiah 18. Just as a potter reshapes a flawed vessel, God may need to break and remake us to fulfil our true purpose. This process may be challenging, but it is necessary for growth and for achieving one’s full potential as a leader.

The Importance of Excellence

Bishop Powell concluded by highlighting the importance of striving for excellence in all areas of life. He explained that cutting-edge leadership requires giving your best in every situation, whether at home, in the workplace, or within the church. Excellence is not about perfection but about consistently presenting your best effort and seeking to improve. He reminded the attendees that “the largest room in the world is the room for improvement,” and encouraged them to always seek ways to grow and develop.

Audience Takeaways from the Session

1. Legacy Over Memory: Legacy is more important than memory. Focus on leaving an enduring impact rather than just being remembered.
2. Reflection in Action and Reflection on Action: The value of reflecting both during and after actions to ensure continuous improvement.
3. New Thinking for New Problems: Today’s problems cannot be solved with outdated thinking; innovation is key to progress.
4. Obedience and Purpose: Being obedient to one’s calling and striving to fulfill one’s life purpose.
5. Impact Over Intent: Focusing on the tangible impact of actions, rather than merely the intent behind them.
6. Lead with Vision: Leaders need to have a clear vision that guides their actions and inspires others.
7. Community and Connection: The significance of building meaningful, long-lasting relationships for personal and collective growth.
8. Empowerment Through Support: Encouraging others and lifting them as you rise in your journey.
9. Faith-Driven Action: Trusting in God while taking decisive actions, driven by faith.
10. Gratitude as a Practice: Practicing gratitude daily to appreciate every opportunity and blessing.
11. Adaptability and Growth: Emphasising the need to evolve and adapt to meet new challenges effectively.
12. Servant Leadership: Leading others by serving with humility and focusing on the well-being of those you lead.
13. Personality Opens Doors, Character Keeps Them Open: Charisma can make a strong first impression, but character maintains trust and respect over time.
14. Sharpen Your Axe: Recalibration, realignment, and reassessment. Focus on continuously improving your skills to become more effective rather than simply working harder.
15. Working Smarter, Not Harder: Understanding that more effort without strategic thinking does not always yield better results.
16. Reflective and Reflexive Leadership: Reflecting on your actions and adapting while leading to become more effective.
17. Know Who You Are and Your Purpose: Understanding your identity and purpose sustains motivation and helps direct your efforts productively.
18. Leaving a Legacy: Consider how your leadership and actions will impact others in the future, and aim to leave a lasting positive legacy.
19. Excellence in All Aspects of Life: Striving for excellence not only in work but also at home, in church, and in the community.
20. Be Adaptable in Leadership: Recognising the need to change approaches based on different situations, and using the right method for each challenge.
21. Continuous Room for Improvement: There is always room for growth—personally, professionally, and spiritually.
22. Transformation Through Challenges: Embrace challenges as opportunities for personal and spiritual transformation, much like the potter shapes the clay.