Bob Turner

A Leader

Defining a leader varies depending on the person. However, among many that exist, one describes a leader as “a short length of wire by which a hook is attached to a fishing line.”

The design of this wire is tough to prevent fish from cutting it. In numerous places, this material is often made of steel, which adds to the thought.

Regardless of how one might define a leader today, we know a leader must be strong, able to withstand any challenge. It is not a matter of if, but when these challenges come.

Spiritual leaders need to remember that the strength for each challenge comes from God.

Self-Awareness

The ability to be self-aware and self-evaluate is easier said than done. The difficulty exists in recognizing the inward truths that often escape reality.

Marianne Williamson said, “Take stock of your thoughts and behavior. Each night ask yourself, when were you negative when you could have been positive? When did you withhold love when you might have given it? When did you play a neurotic game instead of behaving in a powerful way? Use this process to self-correct.”

When we ask the kind of questions that challenge painful answers, we find ways to improve the influence of our leadership and help others follow with confidence.

Changing Behavior

The challenge of changing one’s behavior involves areas that motivate each individual. As I learned in a conversation with a friend, “In order to change what people do, you have to change what people want.

Perhaps we need to consider what it is that people want: to feel loved, needed, wanted, and a sense of belong.

When leaders touch on these areas, people will follow with their actions.

If it looks like no one is motivated to follow your lead, then maybe you should evaluate what and how you appeal to their wants.

Excellence

One of the most compelling words associated with leadership is excellence. By definition, excellence refers to “the fact or state of excelling, superiority, eminence.” The concept is often identified as the pursuit of a place or position that is superior in nature to a previous one.

However, leaders are challenged to develop and identify excellence a bit differently in their leadership. Marcus Buckingham says, “Excellence has its own pattern, you have to learn and study it.”

To think of excellence as a position or destination falls short of recognizing the lifelong pursuit characterized by the passion to continually grow in excellence.

Take the Step

I remember the old adage “one step forward and two steps back.” The idea represented the challenges of moving forward in the face of setbacks.

Naeem Callaway reminds us that “sometimes that smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take a step.”

What steps will you take that may become the biggest steps of your life?

Lead someone, mentor them, give a coworker a nudge to step up or step out in ways that will move them toward their potential.

The time to do so may be the biggest step you take, so take it!

MVP

The idea is often thought of as the most valuable player, a person recognized for their outstanding abilities, contribution, or accomplishments to the team.

Generally, they are a stand-out person, one that everyone sees leading others to a specific measure of success.

However, when we think about leadership, the MVP may not always stand out and be in front of the rest. Their contribution may be minimal in the eyes of many, if not most, but what they give is critical and vital to success.

Think about what the mother of a boy with five loaves and two fish taught him. Who is the MVP where you lead?

GRIT

I came across a thought expressed by Shayne McClendon that has great implication for leadership, “I will breathe. I will think of solutions, I will not let my worry control me. I will not let my stress level break me. I will simply breathe. And it will be okay. Because I don’t quit.”

I specifically found it interesting because it directly relates to one of the strongest books I’ve read in recent years written by Angela Duckworth, Grit. This one is worth your time.

The power of passion and perseverance in leadership cannot be overstated. No matter what happens, GRIT is the core of success.

Actions of a Leader

How we are defined as leaders is based on our actions. Patrick Ness said, “You do not write your life with words… You write it with actions. What you think is not important. It is only important what you do.”

We may have the noblest of intentions. We may have abundant talent. We may even possess the highest IQ. If our actions, however, do not display exemplary character, then our intentions, talent, and intelligence represent little, if anything.

Let our actions define the true nature of our leadership.

When

Leadership is a combination of many components that come together to help followers get from where they are to where they need to be and when they need to be there.

While these components will vary based on the people and situation, one of the most critical pieces to good leadership is knowing When.

Moving too slow causes frustration and moving too fast creates tension and anxiety. Like the story of the Three Bears, when we get it just right, everything works and moves to the benefit of everyone involved.

The Destination

Time seems to move at incredible speed as we approach the last quarter of the year. As each day flies by, we must continue to evaluate our leadership and our influence on those who follow. Do we know where we are headed? If not, how will we know if or when we get there?

Ken Davis once said, “Aim at nothing and you will hit it every time. Know where you are going and you can take anyone with you.”

Others are following, and when we know the destination, we can point others in the right direction.