Leaders must be perpetual learners.

Donald Norris, president of Strategic Initiatives, identifies perpetual learning as “much more than lifelong learning on steroids. It is different from lifelong learning in every way.” He clarifies by stating that it involves learning every day, viewing growth in knowledge as a way of life rather than an activity of life.

This type of learning produces three benefits:

…a better understanding of leading people.
…a better vision of the future.
…a better love for life.

When driven to learn from every person we meet, book we read, and experience in life, we grow as leaders.

Christianity is a learned, taught system. This duplication process is how Christianity grows.

The same is true for leaders, especially spiritual leaders.

John Maxwell calls this the Law of Reproduction. He says, “If you want to grow, lead followers. If you want to multiply, lead leaders.”

Are we planning, grooming, and mentoring someone to lead when we are gone?

Too often we find a lack of qualified men to lead God’s people. Why? There are several reasons, but one falls on the need for leaders to reproduce themselves. Let us rise up and change the future by preparing others to lead.

Leaders do not succeed alone. Although the author is unknown, perhaps one of the most significant thoughts about successful leaders claims, “Successful leadership is your ability to direct and challenge the very best that is in those whom you lead.”

Since leadership depends on followers, it only makes sense to understand the need to draw out the best in others.

Adjustments may be required for leaders to achieve this goal. However, the ability to do so makes the difference between success and failure.

Planning is vital to achieving goals. The challenge before leaders is developing the right plan.

We must answer several questions.

What goal are we trying to reach?
Why is this goal important to the overall program, or is it?
Who will carry out the plan?
Are adequate resources available for each stage of the plan? If not, can they be obtained?
When will we evaluate the progress?
How can we achieve maximum involvement?
Once the goal is reached, where do we go from that point?

Answering these questions provides the right foundation for the proper plans.

Creativity can be frightening. Creativity brings change, and change makes us uncomfortable.

While change is Biblical, we do not always understand it, Thus, we stifle creativity.

Can leaders encourage creativity without the fear of change? Yes.

Create a “safe” environment. People need to know it is okay to discuss, even disagree, where there is no violation of Scripture.

Equip people with the right tools. When the right tools are provided, creativity soars.

Give heed to personal advice. Be cautious when promoting our own ideas.

Remember, we want to help others achieve success. Creativity can make the difference. Encourage it!

When leadership demonstrates generosity, others learn the value of the gift. However, we must consider the nature of our generosity.

Intention: What is the motive behind our gift?

Object: What is the object of our generosity? Work? Family? Church? Lord?

Planned dedication: Is there a purpose planned in the gift?

Action: Are we ready to start giving…now?

Self-examination: What do we lose by holding on to the gift?

These questions help us determine the nature of and need behind our generosity.

The idea of generosity is characterized by this thought: The greatest Giver (God), with the greatest motive (love) giving the greatest gift (His only Son) for the greatest need (our sin).

Leaders should exemplify generosity. The value of generosity is witnessed in the example of God.

Leadership is built on giving.

…our time
…our energy
…our money
…our emotions
…our ability

What best suits our giving? Do we give what is left over, easy and convenient, or is our generosity suited by giving our best?

People want to be heard, but who will listen? It is frustrating. We mentioned several reasons yesterday why we need to listen, but what improves our listening ability?

Remove distractions. It is hard to listen when focused on another project. 

Find a quiet place. Time in a quiet place makes listening easier and beneficial.

Devote time to listen. Set aside a specific time to listen.

Stop thinking of a response. This is difficult. It is easier to think about what to say next.

These are a few suggestions. However, if applied, our ability to listen increases and communication improves.

One of the most challenging, yet key elements in communication is the ability to listen.

There are several reasons leaders must learn the art of listening.

Learning to listen connects us to people on greater levels.
Learning to listen gains a better understanding of their needs.
Learning to listen develops stronger concentration.
Learning to listen shows we care.

The message is not always conveyed through words. Tone of voice and body language play a significant role in the message communicated. We must listen with our ears, eyes, and heart.

As challenging as it is, learning to listen changes the nature of our leadership.

We live in a culture much like other cultures in generations before us. People desire greatness, but avoid responsibility. Yet, we find several unavoidable applications to this idea of responsibility. Sir Winston Churchill said, “The price of greatness is responsibility.”

Responsibility involves duty over someone or something.
Responsibility brings accountability.
Responsibility indicates an obligation.
Responsibility brings an opportunity to act independently and make decisions.
Responsibility determines greatness.

When leaders are responsible, and willing to take responsibility, it inspires others to follow.

Responsibility is the price to be paid. Greatness is the prize.