Philip Kenneson’s book, Life on the Vine, makes a significant point related to spiritual leadership.  He describes the need to view the fruit of the Spirit with an “others-directed” mindset.

From a leadership perspective, the idea guides our steps with a focus on others: people-centric.

Initially, it is logical to think about developing the fruit of the Spirit as qualities within our own lives, but the idea involves demonstrating––rather than developing––these qualities toward others.

When this happens, our leadership soars. Followers see and know that leaders have their best interest always at heart.

While we speak about decisiveness on a regular basis, the need for decisive leaders cannot be overstated.

Steve Diggs recently wrote, “Be a Fast-Forward Leader: Make a decision. The world is paved with flat squirrels that couldn’t make up their minds.”

Too often, leaders hesitate when it comes to decisions. The result leaves followers confused, discouraged, doubtful, and distrusting.

As leaders, we do not want or need this situation.

Lead decisively. We need to gather as much information as quickly as possible and then decide. Do not get caught in the delayed reaction action syndrome. The result is deadly to leadership.

Our world is filled with catchy phrases and slogans.

Kay Jewelers: “Every kiss begins with Kay.”
Nike: “Just do it.”
Army: “Be all you can be.”
Maxwell House: “Good to the last drop.”
How many remember the slogan for Wheaties? The “Breakfast of ____________________.”

While slogans are popular, our leadership should not be defined by them. Our leadership is not about a slogan; it is about souls, leading others to Christ. Let us make our leadership count for something right. Think Souls!

In case you are still trying to figure out the Wheaties slogan, it is “champions.”

Challenges can refer to a conflict of nature (I challenge you to a dual).

They indicate the magnitude, or difficulty, in achieving a specific goal (We are challenged to reach five thousands souls).

They may be an objection (Our purpose is being challenged by another organization).

Challenges also express a motivational tactic to create action (I challenge you share Jesus with others).

Our leadership will face challenges, many of which fall into one or more of these categories.

Leadership exists in the face of challenge at every level. The true measure of our character is determined by where we stand in the times of challenge.

People are prone to speak, but often fail to prove by action. It is easier to talk about what we want to do, or what we are going to do. However, the challenge comes in putting our words into action.

Dale Carnegie said, “The older I get the less I listen to what people say and the more I look at what they do.”

Leadership is about action. We make a difference when we practice what we preach. If we follow someone it should happen because we see their life in action, not in words.

Learn to listen, but lead by action.

At various times in life we need to do a little soul searching.

We challenge the core of who we are, why we are here, and what we are supposed to do.

In these times, the need for leadership is more prevalent than any other. It may be we need to find someone to help, guide, or listen with a sympathetic ear. It may be someone else needs the same from us.

Regardless, the search for leaders is more needed today than ever. I pray God will help us sort through those times and lead, as well as, be led.

Electronic communication has taken front seat on nearly every level. The idea of sending or receiving something “hard copy” is almost obsolete.

From a leadership perspective, the electronic era has created a new dynamic in relationships.

Jeremy Roberts’ book Disconnect does a great job digging into areas that relate to the electronic phenomena of our culture, the advantages and disadvantages, and relationships connected to it.

We need each other! The human race was created in relationship, a relationship involving God and each other.

Leading in this electronic age has its challenges and the need for relationships to go beyond the screen has never been greater.

An average is reached when we put a group of numbers or items together and divide by two.

When used to describe someone’s ability, we refer to what is typical, common, or ordinary.

When it comes to spiritual leadership, we need to strive for more than average.

Paul urged the church to “excel still more.” Peter encouraged Christians to “keep their behavior excellent.”

How much more should spiritual leaders exemplify the same?

We are not trying to earn anything. We follow the example of Christ and encourage others to follow. Such leadership points to our Savior.

The Ascent of a Leader addresses how ordinary relationships develop character and influence as leaders. Two ladders are described.

The first is the capacity ladder where leaders strive to get ahead regardless of the cost. Relationships serve to benefit the leader ascend to a greater position.

The second is the character ladder where an environment of grace exists. It is a ladder where character is developed and emphasized in leadership. Relationships thrive because people feel safe to express their views, even when mistakes are made.

The book provides a number of powerful suggestions to assist in leadership development.

Leaders tend to think the job only gets done if they oversee it. Another thought is if you want to get the job done right, you have to do it yourself.

Is this true leadership?

Patrick Lencioni said, “As a leader, you’re probably not doing a good job unless your employees can do a good impression of you when you’re not around.”

As leaders, we must be reproduced by the continuation of the work when we are no longer around.

A leader’s legacy is the goal. John Maxwell said it this way, “Legacy comes when we put leaders in positions to do great things without us.”