Backstop
By Dr. Brian Simmons
What is the purpose of a backstop?
A backstop’s primary purpose is to stop projectiles or objects from going beyond a designated area, ensuring safety and control. It acts as a barrier to prevent unintended damage or injury by containing projectiles like bullets, balls, or other items. In various contexts, backstops serve as a safety measure, a reinforcement, or a support mechanism.
What happens when a back stop loses its “stop” function?
I attended a baseball game for my grandson last week. There is a worker for the league who sits in a golf cart during games and plays the national anthem on a boom box before every game. I pointed out this hole in the backstop to him. I could tell by his body language that this was outside of his perceived job description. He couldn’t care less.
What happens when a hole like this goes unrepaired? Someone sitting in the bleachers behind home plate could get hit between the eyes with a foul ball!
In the organizations we lead, what do “holes in the backstop” look like? How can we as leaders help others look past playing the national anthem before games to taking personal responsibility for the services and value we provide to our customers?
Faithful steward leaders put service to God and others over self interest. They are not content to sit on a golf cart all day. They understand that it is their job to fix the backstop!
