Beyond the What: Discovering Your Who and How for Transformational Leadership

In a world obsessed with 'what' we do, Len Morris, a local business legend and founder of Viewrail, offers a refreshing and profound perspective: true fulfillment and impact come from understanding your 'who' and 'how.' His journey from a fear-driven leader to one who actively seeks the best in every person he meets provides a powerful blueprint for transformational leadership.

Len's early faith journey, rooted in a Missionary Church tradition, instilled in him a deep commitment to biblical principles. However, it wasn't until a pivotal retreat at age 35 that he confronted a hidden fear that had been subtly shaping his decisions. He describes himself as the 'fireman so afraid of the fire that I rush into the center of the fire to try to prove to myself I'm not afraid of it.' This realization was a turning point, leading him to understand that 'God's love drives out fear.' He learned that more thinking or logic cannot dispel fear; only love can.

This profound insight reshaped his approach to business and life. He recognized that many of his past business decisions, though seemingly bold, were often rooted in a desire to mask fear. Fear, he observed, often manifests as a need for control, leading to a destructive 'squeezing' of relationships and ventures. In contrast, love 'doesn't control, love doesn't manipulate. Love is patient, is kind.'

From Fear to Love: Transformational Insights

Out of this transformation emerged Len's personal mission statement: 'As a man following Christ, a husband, father, a friend, I find the best in every person that I meet. And I do this through gifts of bold challenge and great encouragement.' This mission isn't about using fear or manipulation, but about genuinely calling people up to their highest potential, seeing the image of God in them.

This philosophy permeates his leadership at Viewrail, a company he started in his garage and now has over 400 employees. He makes it a point to learn every employee's name, seeing it as the first step to understanding and connecting with them. He emphasizes the importance of listening, not just waiting for his turn to speak, but truly seeking to understand the other person's story and concerns. He aims for an 80/20 rule in conversations: Len listens 80% of the time, and speaks 20% of the time. This deep listening, he explains, is about connecting with the 'image of God in this person,' recognizing their eternal being and destiny.

Building a Culture of Contribution

Len also believes in fostering a culture of contribution. Growing up on a farm, he understood the value of work and contribution from a young age. He and his wife intentionally created opportunities for their sons and daughter to contribute, and this philosophy extends to all Viewrail employees. He recalls a company-wide contest where employees were asked to illustrate how they add value to customers, regardless of their role. This exercise helped everyone connect their work to a larger purpose.

When it comes to generosity and impact, Len operates from a clear conviction: 'Anyone who knows the good that they ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.' He believes that if one has resources, they are obligated to use them for good, not to hoard them. He and his wife Marci focus their significant support on three core areas, pouring their time, prayer, and finances into them.

Guidance for New Leaders: Discovering Your Mission

For the younger generation of business leaders, Len offers this invaluable advice: 'Find out what your God-given mission is in terms of WHO does He want you to become?' He argues that God is more concerned with 'who I am, who I'm doing it with, and HOW am I doing it' than with 'WHAT' we do. When you answer the question of who God wants you to become, all other decisions, including career and financial choices, become clear. In contrast, starting with 'how much money can I make?' or 'how much impact will I have?' are, in his view, 'failed premises.'

Len's personal goals for the coming year reflect this philosophy: to make 'novel mistakes' (mistakes he hasn't made before), launch several new businesses, and act on every prompting of the Holy Spirit, especially in reaching out to others or saying 'I'm sorry.' These goals are not about external achievements but about continued personal growth, obedience, and connection.

Lasting Impact: Leadership from 'Who' and 'How'

His story is a powerful reminder that true leadership and lasting impact stem not from a relentless pursuit of 'what' we can achieve, but from a deep understanding of 'who' we are called to be and 'how' we are called to live and lead.