The Quiet Power of Showing Up: Leading with Kindness

My heart was full last week after reviewing some material on leadership. It got me thinking about what truly defines a leader—is it the ability to organize, the vision for the future, or something quieter, something more deeply personal? When we talk about being disciples, we often focus on the big moments: the missionary discussions, the revelations, the building of Zion. But sometimes, the master class in leadership is found in the mundane, in the overlooked moments of grace.

I was reminded of a story shared by Mark A. Bragg, which really hit home for me as a returned missionary. He recounted how he helped an elderly gentleman who was lost at a sold-out event. The story wasn't about his own cleverness or his own success; it was about the simple act of noticing someone who was struggling and taking the time to help them find their way.

What struck me most, and what I feel the Spirit nudging me toward as we continue in the work, is the emphasis on *kindness*. Warren Bennis, in the story, concluded that the first principle of leadership should always be leading others with kindness. It’s so easy, when we’re focused on our own preparation—our own mission goals, our own desires to be more like Christ—to get caught up in the 'self' details, the administration, or even the vision. But the Savior’s example, and the pattern of discipleship, is always service.

Think about it as we prepare for our own calling, whether that’s in the MTC, in a local ward, or right here in the digital gathering place of the rogue disciples. It’s not about who is taking charge; it’s about who is blessing those in our charge. It’s about sustaining the weak and faltering, just as President Hunter spoke of needing a generation that knows how to build faith.

Leading with Kindness: A Daily Practice

This concept of leading with kindness feels like the perfect capstone for our current focus on discipleship. It’s the practical application of what we read in the Iron Rod. It’s what we can do right now, whether we are studying in a Book Club in HolyPlaces or just chatting with a friend who is wrestling with a tough doctrinal question.

“It is not about taking charge or being in charge but blessing those who are in your charge.”

This is the core of the Internet Missionary life. We are called to be disciples anywhere, all the time. If you see a brother or sister struggling to understand a concept from the Book of Mormon, don't just point them to a link. Sit with them. Ask the questions. Be patient. That’s leading with kindness.

✨ Mission Prep Skill: The Art of the Gentle Redirect

When you are in a missionary discussion, or even just a casual conversation, and the person brings up a topic that is slightly off-topic or based on a misunderstanding, resist the urge to correct them sharply. Instead, use the 'gentle redirect.' Acknowledge their point first (“I understand why you see it that way…”), and then gently pivot back to the core principle using a scripture or a testimony. It shows you heard them, but you are guiding them back to the light.

I encourage everyone to take this principle of kindness into your week. Let’s make our discipleship a master class in service. If you feel the Spirit prompting you to reach out to someone who seems isolated, or to offer help in a study group, answer that call. That is where the Lord is leading us.

For those of you who want to deepen this study, I highly recommend revisiting the teachings on discipleship found in the scriptures. If you haven't already, check out the latest materials in LivingBook. And if you want to discuss this further, join our next gathering!

🗓️ Next Up: We're hosting a live session next Tuesday evening to discuss how to translate the principle of kindness into actual, actionable steps for our local efforts. Details are in the pinned post!