A recently search on leadership produced a list of quotes from Zig Ziglar identified as “Quotes that can Change Your Life.” Naturally, I was intrigued, so I spent a few moments to consider a few of these powerful and life-changing thoughts.

One specific statement that grabbed my attention was important enough to share: “Remember that failure is an event, not a person.” Zig Ziglar

Consider how many times we’ve heard people refer to themselves or someone else as a failure. Because they did not succeed at a specific task, get a promotion, or achieve a desired grade, they did not see the event as a failure, but themselves.

Sadly, we tend to carry this mentality over to the way we view other people. When others do not live up to “our” expectations or desires, we see them as a failure. Even worse is the fact that the way we see others often affects the way others see themselves.

Quality leaders learn from the events (failures) in life and build their own character, or the character of someone else, to ultimately succeed.

Recently, while listening to a youtube interview with Simon Sinek, I was fascinated by his response to a question about performance under pressure.

Sinek’s response was one that resonated across the board and one that possesses great potential in all areas of leadership.

He discussed how everyone deals with situations where we face pressure, and the tendency is to think we are nervous. The body reacts with an increased heart rate; we get tense and maybe a bit sweaty as we anticipate what is ahead. Interestingly, these are the same reactions our body experiences when we get excited.

The difference involves learning to interpret the signs through another type of lens. Instead of thinking we are nervous, we need to view it as a level of excitement.

The mental exercise of learning to retrain the way we view and think about the situation requires a little time, but creates a powerful approach to the pressures that exist and how we move ahead.

Consider the difference that occurs when we experience the desire to rush forward instead of fall back.

Ambition involves a desire to achieve something, usually in a way that requires determination and hard work.

Defining ambition is not difficult. The difficulties arise when we consider where our ambition lies.

Are we ambitious to achieve financial security?

Is our ambition driven by power and authority?

Would our ambition be characterized by selfish and physical priorities?

Or, can we say our ambition has a spiritual focus?

Paul identifies spiritually and eternally developed ambition as one that strives to please our Lord.

When our leadership is driven to please the Lord it changes our approach in every area of life.

Relationships within our families are shaped by Biblical principles.

Our conduct on the job is influenced by a God-fearing attitude.

We approach people who are outside of Christ with a greater level of patience and compassion.

Beyond everything else, we worship with a greater understanding of the sovereignty of God.

When our leadership is driven by this kind of ambition the church will grow in the grace and knowledge of our Savior.

“If ever a leader walked this earth…”

Most of you reading this blog are aware that the world lost a great leader this week. No, it was not a political figure in some high government position, nor was it someone acclaimed as famous by the world.

However, in the eyes of God, Cy Stafford was one of the greatest leaders of our generation.

I do not have enough space to describe Cy’s influence in my life. Cy’s love for leadership was based on his incredible love for God, His word, and His people. He lived the biblical example of leadership greatness, “a servant to all.”

We constantly shared titles of books about leadership we were reading at the time. I know his library was full and, thanks to Cy’s suggestions, so is mine.

The discussions we shared concerning leadership are times I will treasure all my life. The encouragement Cy provided continues to drive my love for the subject and my desire to grow leaders in the church around the world.

I loved and admired Cy’s passion for souls, evidenced by his work in Tanzania and everywhere his presence was felt. He was humble, kind, and generous beyond words.

Few people will be as missed as this beloved husband, father, babu, brother, and my friend. Thank you Cy for your heart and influence.

Consider a long-standing thought: “Everyone brings happiness; some when they come and some when they leave.” Think about what this implies for our leadership.

There are times leaders are asked to leave and times when they choose to leave. How a leader walks away determines the nature of how they will be remembered.

Shattered farewells leave everyone hurting when leadership walks away from responsibility.

Divisive farewells leave followers turned against one another.

Venomous farewells leave a feeling of animosity, anger, distrust, and a lack of direction.

Gracious farewells leave followers united with a greater dedication to achieve the established vision, goals, and will of God that strengthen the overall good of everyone.

At some point, we say goodbye and when the time comes we all have to decide the level of integrity and Christlike character we will demonstrate. Here are few tips.

Remember the greater good of followers.

Always accept responsibility for actions.

Be kind, never harsh or abrasive no matter how unfairly treated.

Consider our Savior.

We are leaders and how we lead when we leave makes a difference.

All of us have to admit there are times when the road of leadership becomes difficult enough the easiest path to walk is to give up.

We also know the Bible is filled with instruction to endure until the end. Yet, we also know there are many who were unable to do so.

However, when considering the consequences of giving up, is it really the easiest choice?

When we give up…

We lose the edge of our character and get discouraged.

We will always wonder what could have happened “if” we had endured.

Someone else will lead, and their leadership is not always going to be in the right direction.

The opportunity to bring lasting change is delayed, if not eliminated.

The bottom line is – Satan wins!

Leadership has never been an easy road to walk. There are always problems to deal with and opposition to overcome. However, we must not allow those obstacles and challenges to cause us to give up.

A little twist on an old adage may prove helpful, leaders never quit and quitters never lead.

These two words are connected to several thoughts. In a wedding ceremony they become part of the vows exchanged. We conclude with, “until death do you part.”

We also find these words used of Jesus in speaking to the church at Smyrna, as He concluded “…be faithful until death and I will give you the crown of life.”

The idea of behind the usage of these words indicates a level of dedication. There is an understanding of commitment deeply tied to the use of this phrase.

It also significant to notice the reward stated by Jesus is only given to those who hold true to their dedication and commitment.

In several areas of life, even leadership, when difficulties arise, change, distractions, interruptions, or a failure to measure up to our expectations, our culture looks for the bail out.

Consider the difference that could be made if we all honored our commitments.

Can we imagine the lives we could change by having hearts with such dedication?

There is much to be said for men and women who build on a foundation defined by these two words…until death!