Leading Is Like Eating A Pear
Leading is Like Knowing When to Eat a Pear
There is a Bartlett Pear Tree in my backyard that produces the best pears. When I first picked them, they looked ripe, and they were falling from the tree. I was disappointed. They were hard and bitter. After some research, I learned that pears should be picked, refrigerated for 3-5 days, and then placed on the counter for another 3-5 days. Who discovered this???
I tried it, and after nine harvests, when I deliver a bag of pears to friends, I say: “4 days in the fridge, 4 days on the counter. Eat when yellowish green.” Now, my pear tree has quite the reputation.
In many ways, “leadership is like eating a pear” (John C. Maxwell, Leadershift). There is only one perfect day in the life of a pear when it is perfectly ripe. Too early, and it’s hard and bitter; too late, and it’s mushy. The secret is knowing when to act and having the faith to trust the process.
The Principle of Timing
Timing is everything in leadership. Whether it’s launching a new initiative, addressing a team conflict, or pursuing a new vision, knowing the right moment is critical. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us, “For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven.” Acting too soon can lead to resistance or missed opportunities, while waiting too long risks lost momentum or impact. Like testing the ripeness of a pear, leaders must evaluate the situation carefully, paying attention to subtle cues that signal the right time to act.
The Importance of Fact-Checking
A pear may look ripe on the outside, but only by squeezing it gently do you know for sure. Similarly, in leadership, decisions should not be based on surface appearances. Fact-checking is essential. Proverbs 18:13 warns, “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” Rushing decisions without fully understanding the context can lead to mistakes and setbacks.
Seek Wise Counsel
No leader can see every angle. That’s why it’s vital to seek wise counsel. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Surround yourself with trusted advisors: staff, board members, mentors, or peers. They offer perspective and help refine your thinking. Think of them as living search engines, like the advice that taught me how to ripen pears. Listening doesn’t make you weak; it makes you wise. Just remember, their input must be applied to your unique situation. Fruit Trees responded differently in different climates, so will your ministry.
Make the Decision and Learn from Mistakes
Eventually, you must decide: Is the pear ready? Leadership requires decisiveness. Sometimes, you’ll make the right call, and the fruit will be sweet. Other times, you’ll realize you acted too early or too late.
Mistakes are inevitable, but they offer opportunities for growth. Reflect on what went wrong, learn, and adjust your approach. Failure isn’t final; it’s formative.
As pastors, we must boldly make decisions, verify details, and seek wise counsel, asking God for discernment. Sometimes, outcomes are uncertain, or we get it wrong. In those moments, we must humbly learn and move forward.
The ripeness of a pear and a decision doesn’t last forever. Lean on God, trust the process, and lead with confidence. Like the perfect pear, your decisions may bear sweet and lasting fruit.