Support

There is a story in the Hebrew tradition that has two tribes fighting against each other. In the scene, the Hebrew people are being led by Moses who is standing on a hill overlooking the battlefield. As long as Moses is holding up his staff over his head the Hebrews have the advantage in the battle. But, as his arms get tired and he lowers them to rest, the momentum of the battle shifts the other way. In response to this dilemma, two helpers, Aaron & Hur, come alongside Moses and help hold his arms up all day until the battle is won.  One of the lessons I've always heard from this story has been, "Who's your Aaron & Hur?" In other words, who do you have in your life that is helping to Support you when things get tough?

Here's another way to think about this idea: My father-in-law was a Golden Gloves boxer when he was a young man. During a match when he was between rounds, he would have people who were literally "in his corner" - individuals who would get him a drink, bring him a stool to sit on, and a coach to give him insights and guidance about how to approach the next round. The people who were "in his corner" were providing him incredible Support while he engaged in some tough circumstances.

If we can set aside the literal fighting happening in both of these examples and think about this from a more philosophical approach, we see a critical element necessary for life and leadership.  Who's your Aaron & Hur?  Who's in your corner?

This week I've had the honor of sitting with three leaders who are starting new roles or taking on significant new challenges in their work. In each conversation, the topic of naming their Support networks was a critical element. We recognized that for each of them there will be tough situations ahead. Hopefully not any actual fights but certainly circumstances and relationships that will require some tough decisions and some hard work and effort.  We talked about how important it was going to be to know who was in their Support systems so that when things got tough, they knew ahead of time who to turn to for help.  We essentially tried to name who their Aaron & Hurs were, and who was in their corners!

As you reflect on your life and work, who do you have in your Support network? Who do you turn to when you get tired and need some help holding yourself up? Who can bring you some supplies to help refresh you and give you a break? Is there someone in particular who always has great wisdom and advice that might help you approach the challenges with a new perspective?  Who are your Aaron & Hurs, and who's in your corner with you?

Here's to leaning on the Support we have in our lives this week!

Be Well,

Stephen

Center was created to support individuals and teams so they can live from their Purposeful Center. We specialize in professional coaching and leadership development and we'd love to support you! Click on our Services page to book a free consultation.