Art, in its broadest sense, is a form of communication. This form of communication is shaped by the materials, techniques, and various forms it makes use of, as well as the ideas and feelings it creates in its viewers. Additionally, art is an act of expressing feelings, thoughts, and observations of the preceding.

I recently read a portion of an article about a young leader that complained that his generation seemed to lack any causes to be passionate about. As I reflected on this statement from this young leader, it undergirds the challenge of helping us and those around us to develop the art of waking people up; to open their eyes.

In 1999, Hollywood released the movie “Eyes Wide Shut”, starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. The title of the movie gets your attention because when you think about it, you wonder how is it possible to have your eyes wide shut!?

Our young leader that I mentioned is an example of someone with his eyes wide shut. You can have your eyes wide shut by not paying attention or observing what’s happening around you when your eyes are wide open.

All of us have some sort of daily routine when we wake up. We get dressed, we get our morning coffee, we get in our cars, and head to the office to accomplish the day's tasks. This is a routine that we all have more or less. And yet the question that we must ask ourselves as leaders, is that it? Is that all that there is to my responsibility as a leader?

There's no question that our daily routine is necessary as a means to take care of our families and our job responsibilities, but the question remains are my “eyes wide shut?” As you listen to this podcast consider our aim for today; which is as leaders to practice "The Art of Waking People Up."