“Earn your leadership every day.” Michael Jordan

The thought expressed here is extremely important, yet leaves us with an important question to answer: how? How can we earn our leadership every day? While it is not an exhaustive list, here are a few ideas to consider.

1) Ensure your life is consistent with your leadership.

2) Take responsibility for every word, decision and action.

3) Lead in the fullness of core values.

4) Align priorities with goals.

5) Know what is worth dying for, and then live for it.

6) Help others reach their potential…always!

7) Learn to be an active listener.

8) Show others there is more to life than just “being right.”

9) Demonstrate the value of respect for yourself and others.

10) Understand the difference between image and reputation.

If we can begin applying a few suggestions, then our leadership will have immeasurable benefits to others.

The leadership of Moses is one worth more time in study than we can give in one post. However, the introduction of Moses to God at the burning bush is a wonderful read.

As Moses approaches the burning bush he is told to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. I love the idea seen in an ordinary bush becoming extraordinary because of God’s divine activity. His presence made this ground upon which Moses stood sacred.

God continues to do the same throughout the Bible, even today. His presence takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary with divine activity.

Twelve men: fishermen, a tax collector, a zealot, and others who were ordinary, “common” people, yet with God working through them, all of them became extraordinary.

Today, we need to also recognize the extraordinary nature of God working through the events and people in our lives to take something ordinary and make it extraordinary. When these “burning bushes” exist, we need to stop and realize the sacred ground upon which we are standing. Pay attention to the activity of God that is shaping our leadership.

Several months ago I received an identification lanyard for when I travel to Cameroon. The purpose is to identify myself to authorities concerning what I do, who I am affiliated with, and why I am there.

The ability to identify these three areas plays a significant role in connection to our leadership.

How would we identify what we do? The focus of our activities indicates a significant role. If our focus is physically oriented, then our role deals with a more materialistic approach. However, if our focus is spiritual, then our role has a heavenly determination.

How would we identify who we are affiliated with? When others look at us they should be able to identify who we are affiliated with, or perhaps who we belong to? If we belong to Christ, then our character will reflect a Christlike spirit.

How would we identify the reason we are here? Why are we here? The activities we carry out should clearly identify the reason we are here?

A few simple questions can help us consider the value of identifying what, who, and how when it comes to our leadership.

By the time many of you read this post, I will be recovering from surgery to repair a ruptured tendon in my left hand that left me unable to use my thumb.

The surgery is not the problem. However, 6 weeks of recovery is another matter.

Think about the nature of recovery.

Time is involved. The capabilities of the body recovering is amazing, but healing requires time. Leadership development and recovering from mistakes involves time. If we will give it the necessary time for recovery, in the long run we become stronger.

Repair prevents permanent damage. The nature of surgery and recovery is to prevent problems of an irreparable nature. When we understand the steps needed to prevent permanent damage, our leadership can avoid major breakdowns in the future.

Successful recovery requires following the physician’s instructions. We often overlook this point. The expert advice of a physician is critical to recovery. The same is true as spiritual leaders try to heal. Follow the Great Physician’s instructions.

More could be discussed, but for now, keep in mind the purpose and necessity of recovery. It can make all the difference.

On my desk I have a small level with the words “man of God.” The passage written below this thought is Isaiah 40:31.

The combination of the idea expressed by Isaiah and the visual image of the level communicates two powerful messages.

One, Isaiah indicates the man of God is one who is waiting for the Lord. Such activity by the man of God will obtain new strength and an ability to tirelessly endure.

Two, the image of the level is a constant reminder that the man of God must remain balanced. Regardless of the challenges that tend to create imbalance, the man of God keeps level.

These two ideas are directly related to the leadership God desires within the church. While waiting for the Lord, spiritual leaders are strengthened, prepared to face any difficulty, travel any distance, patiently endure any temptation, and overcome any obstacle.

These areas are also related to the necessity of remaining balanced. Spiritual leaders understand the responsibility of family and ministry, determined to find ways to balance both.

Find an image to help you lead with strength and balance.

“Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership.” Colin Powell

I read this thought several times before deciding to use it this week. The reason is because I wanted to think about it more personally.

From my perspective, there are great implications to this thought for leaders today, especially within the spiritual realm.

No one likes problems, and after dealing with several problems, we tend to shy away from placing ourselves where we must listen to them.

However, to consider the results of followers reaching a point where they do not bring their problems to us because they lose confidence or feel we do not care is frightening.

As much as problems are…well, problems, leaders should consider the underlying thought to why these problems are coming our way.

Learning how to resolve conflict and solve problems brings credibility to our leadership.

On most desks is a small pad called a “sticky note.” Some people use them emphatically, some sparingly, while others never see a purpose in them.

However, the nature of the sticky note provides several good lessons for our leadership.

They are reminders of something important. At times I use a sticky note to make a “to-do” list for the next day. Regardless, the information I write down is significant for me to remember.

They can be placed in any location. The great benefit of spiritual leadership is found in the fact that no matter where we are, there is a need to lead others to Christ. Leadership is not limited to the building.

Once they stick, they are still there the next day. Good leaders are going to hold on even when the road is difficult to travel.

They come in a variety of sizes and colors. No cookie cutter approach exists for finding leaders. No matter who you are or where you go, you are leading.

Learn a lesson from a sticky note – our leadership might still be around tomorrow as a reminder of something important.

The idea is simply stating the obvious, “I have no idea where I am going.”

Leadership that is directionally challenged is not really leadership at all. If we do not know where we are going, how can lead anyone there?

Directionally challenged spiritual leadership is an even greater problem.

What can we do to help address and overcome the problem of being directionally challenged?

Set smart goals. Goals need to be specific, measurable, action oriented, realistic, and time bound. If we will set smart goals, knowing our direction is never a problem.

Look to the finish line. Distractions surround us and when we take our eye off the finish line we can easily get off course.

Trust in the Word. We live in a time where numerous voices vie to be heard. Who and what are we listening to and why? One source is constant, the word of God. Listen to it!

Be open to learn. Once we feel we already know it all, we are in trouble. Never stop learning and being open to learn. We might be surprised.

Options abound, but knowing where we are going eliminates most challenges.

Today’s post is dedicated to one of the most special leaders in my walk through life. The dedicated leader I am talking about is the woman I married over 30 years ago.

She understands dedication to a fault.

She is dedicated to her God. First, and foremost, she knows her life belongs to the Almighty. She dedicated herself to following Him, wherever that leads and whatever it takes.

She is dedicated to her children. I have witnessed the sacrifices made, love expressed, sleepless nights, cold meals, and a willingness to do anything needed to see her children get to heaven.

She is dedicated to her grandchildren. As with our children, even more so for her grandchildren. I smile at the look on her face just to talk to them, cuddle them, and watch them grow.

She is dedicated to me. No words are adequate to describe all she has endured in helping me develop into the Christian husband, father, grandfather, and friend I need to be.

For all of these reasons, and many more, I dedicate this post to her on this special day, her birthday. I love you!

Life is complicated and complex. Why?

What is so different about today compared to the lifestyle of 50 years ago? Why have we allowed our daily activities to be structured in such a way to alter the simplicity of life?

The purpose of the post is not to provide an answer to the questions. I am fully aware the answers are subjective and my experience is limited. However, a few simple ideas could help keep our leadership simple.

Remember who is in control, the One who holds eternity in His hands, and let Him have control. (I know, easier said than done)

Learn to say no. (I am preaching to me here)

Understand the limits of our abilities. (ouch)

Take a “full” day off every week and spend it with family. (I need this one)

Do not work in all three parts of the day. (thank you Neal Pollard)

Stop trying to get it all done the first day. (double ouch)

There is more to share, but if we will apply a few simple ideas, our leadership will last a little longer and be a little sweeter.