To improve is to make someone or something better.

Athletes practice daily to improve their skills. Professionally, people take continuing education classes to improve their abilities. Religiously, we renew ourselves daily because it improves our ability to fulfill God’s will in our lives.

As leaders, we improve ourselves by improving others.

We improve others when we:

…share the hope found in Christ,
…point to the reward of heaven, and
…teach application in word and action.

Everyone needs to improve. The challenge is learning that the greatest way to improve ourselves is by improving the life of others. Think Souls!

It goes without saying that leaders must make sound and timely decisions. There are two key elements we need to develop with this thought.

The first is the idea of sound decisions. From a spiritual leadership perspective, the soundness of one’s decisions is based on a biblical compass.

The second involves the word timely. An impatient, or even impetuous, approach to decision-making can create more difficulty in our leadership. Learning God’s timing helps us greatly.

We build credibility when decisions are made on this basis.

When we examine our day to day activities we need to ask, “How well do we lead ourselves?”

Thomas J. Watson Sr. said, “Nothing so conclusively proves a man’s ability to lead others as what he does from day to day to lead himself.”

Have we established specific plans for the year ahead?
Are we disciplined enough to finish each day, and finish strong?

We all influence others. We are leaders.

Now is the time to understand the power of our influence to lead others, but begin with the proper application of leading self.

Why are people resistant to change? Perhaps they are comfortable with the status quo or fear drifting from the truth.

Obviously, not all change is good, but not all change is bad either.

The challenge we often face is change in areas that address “how we’ve always done it.”

Our methods (NOT THE MESSAGE) may need to change. This is not about change just to do things differently. But, if change increases interest and involvement, and does not violate God’s word, then why would we resist?

It may just be good food for thought.

We have all heard someone say, or perhaps said ourselves, “Just a second.” Usually, we use this phrase when we are busy and someone else (generally our children) want our attention.

The value of time is priceless.

For adults, all we know and comprehend is time. The value we place on it is generally based on what we can earn in a space of time.

However, a time is coming when time will no longer exist. We need to understand that how we use our time now determines our eternity.

Make the most of time…Think Souls!

In both English and Greek definitions, the word devoted has similarities, but there is a powerful difference.

The English speaks of love and loyalty, but the Greek involves “insisting on staying close to someone or something.”

Spiritually, devoted leaders insist on staying close to the following.

People: They learn the needs of the people and help guide them to heaven.
Plan: The plan is the map. Leaders must not deviate from it, or the goal is unreachable.
Lord: Leaders know the true source of their strength is not themselves, but the Lord.

Through a leader’s devotion, a foundation is laid to great achievement.

What do we look for in others?

If we look for the worst, we find it quickly. The same is true when we look for the best.

Although the author is unknown, it has been said, “If you want to get the best out of someone – you must look for the best that is in them.”

How will we answer the question above? 

Consider two key thoughts. 

Humility. The way we look at ourselves affects the way we look at others.

Compassion. When the distress of others touches our heart to act with mercy, we see through the eyes of Jesus.

We’ve heard the phrase “caught between a rock and a hard place.” Paul expressed this thought to the church at Philippi. He felt torn between going to be with the Lord and remaining in the flesh to help these Christians.

There are those who are caught in the middle between two friends.
There are children who are born in the middle between two siblings.
There are Christians who religiously walk in the middle of the road.

However, Paul wasn’t, nor can leaders today, be in the middle of the road regarding God’s word. Leaders need dedication and confidence to move others from where they are to where they need to go.

From all of us at The Leadership Project
Happy Thanksgiving.
We are thankful for all you do to make our work successful.