Raising the (Uneven Parallel) Bars

I was involved in a Stake Leadership Training Meeting a couple of years ago, and I felt compelled to remind those who were in the Aaronic Priesthood Leadership group that "raising the bar" for the youth, leaders and parents does NOT mean establishing the bar at the same height for all Young Men. Rather, I believe it should mean helping each individual Young Man jump a little higher than he was able to jump previously.

If the bar is set at 7'6" for everyone, there will be much weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth - and failure; if it is set at 3'0" for everyone, there will be much boredom and daydreaming and drifting away. The key is to know each Young Man well enough to raise that individual Young Man's bar just high enough so that clearing it is possible but requires increased effort and growth and strength.