A Better Remix

Remixing an original song doesn’t always make it better.

In fact, people tend to prefer the original.

There are times when the remix actually improves upon the original.

One example of this is the Phoenix song Lisztomania. The Classixx remix version takes an already great song to another level.

What’s that? You’re not into music and you have no idea what I’m talking about?

OK. Let’s talk about cereal…

You’ve heard of Cheerios, right? Well, they’ve been remixed.

There’s Honey Nut, Apple Cinnamon, Banana Nut, Chocolate, Dulce de Leche, Peanut Butter, Cinnamon Burst, Frosted, Fruity, Yogurt Burst, and Multi-Grain.

I love the story of the passing of the baton between prophets Elijah (Old School) and Elisha (New Era).

There’s no doubt, Elijah (Old School) was great.

Elisha (New Era) became Elijah’s assistant. He was the apprentice, an understudy.

When the time came for Elijah to “move to the next level,” he tried to ditch Elisha—not just once, but three times.

Elisha refused to let his leader and mentor out of his sight.

Finally, Elijah asks, “What do you want from me?”

Elisha, the new era leader, says, “Please let me inherit a double portion of your spirit and become your successor.”

He wanted to build on the platform and successes of his mentor.

He wanted what his leader had—and he wanted to take it to the next level.

Elisha wasn’t interested in tearing down what had already been built.

He wasn’t trying to re-invent the ministry.

He simply wanted to be blessed, endorsed, recognized, empowered, and given permission to lead…

And he wanted to take the ministry further—improve, expand, and build it.

He wanted to have a broader reach and greater impact.

For me, the lesson here is two-fold:

First—Old School leaders must recognize, love, bless, encourage, endorse, and empower the New Era leaders…

We should never be threatened or bothered by them—even when their vision sounds grandiose. The success or failure of New Era leaders is more about what the Old School leaders have (or haven’t done) than it is about the New Era leaders themselves.

Second—New School leaders must be fiercely loyal to their mentors…

Not everything in leadership is earned—rather, much is given. Never burn bridges between the Old School and the New Era. Don’t destroy the platform—build upon it. Love, honor, and respect the Old School. Remember, most of what is good in your life has been passed down to you from the Old School. Be grateful AND be driven by a huge vision. It’s your time!

Question(s) for you:

What version of Cheerios do you enjoy?

Is there a remix or cover (song) that you like even more than the original version?