Sociologist Erving Goffman drew from the theatrical metaphor when he helped us understand that life involves front-stage and back-stage actions. The presentation of self in everyday life occurs differently when we are in public and around certain individuals/crowds (front-stage) and when we are alone or in private situations (back-stage). The manager of a restaurant presents himself in one fashion to the customers and in another when in the kitchen with the cooks. The CEO manifests different characteristics in the boardroom than with the family.
While some change of action and demeanor is expected and healthy (you don’t act the same way toward your spouse as you do customers in your coffee shop), too much change in behavior as we move from the front-stage to the back-stage is not healthy.
Over the past twenty years, I have had the opportunity to be with many Kingdom leaders as they functioned in both the front-stage and back-stage worlds. While there are those out there who are the “real deal,” that the right convictions, attitudes, and actions are a consistent part of their overall life, unfortunately, I have also seen the breakdown in character occur among others once we moved back-stage.
What appeared to be a great front-stage presentation was not consistent with the back-stage lifestyle. Stage continuity is critical.
Failure to be the real deal is the surest way to lose credibility in the eyes of those serving with you. And it is very difficult (if not impossible) to regain that trust once it is lost. The world may believe the front-stage performance, but those closest to you will know the truth and that will lead to a slow but devastating breakdown in the implementation of your strategy.
Consistency is critical!
If you are looking for leaders with whom to serve on a team, then look for those who are the real deal both front-stage and back-stage. As you are raising up leaders for making disciples of all nations, make sure you are the real deal both front-stage and back-stage.
If you can’t find such a team, then don’t settle for anything less.
If you have such character inconsistencies, then don’t work to multiply that in others. There are too many Inconsistencies on the front-stages already. And we know how our Lord describes those who honor him with their lips, but their hearts and actions are far from Him. Apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5). Spend time with Him and deal with this issue immediately.
We are either the real deal, or no deal at all.
(image source: Fotolia, Microsoft)