Category: Daily Leadership

Leadership Word Of The Week…Tenacity

Tenacity identifies someone who is determined. There is a certain ability to hold on to something tightly with an incredible determination.

Look around. It does not take much to see how people demonstrate tenacity in all areas of life, from recreation to religion. When we examine our priorities we generally find our tenacity.

When I consider the definition of tenacity I think of the apostle Paul. I remember his words to the church at Corinth, “I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.”

What an incredible statement. Paul demonstrated tenacity in all areas of his leadership among the Lord’s people. Through his writings we continually see the driving force. Perhaps a few thoughts will help us understand how to be tenacious.

Be passionate…
Remove the impossibility factor…
Know what is worth dying for and live for it…
Have a clear vision of God…
Challenge yourself and others to do something great!

These few ideas can create a whole new approach to our leadership.

Leadership and Self-Deception…

If there is one book you need concerning leadership, this is it. I realize there are a number of great books on leadership, and I have not read them all (or ever will).

However, Leadership and Self-Deception is one of the best I have read. This book is from The Arbinger Institute and is written as narrative. There are numerous lessons to learn about relationships from this material, but let me share the basic idea.

When we know the right decision to make, and do not make it, we betray ourselves getting into a box of self-deception.

Once we do, everything changes. We tend to elevate our own position, abilities, and motives to justify our choice. As well, we begin to disparage others, their motives, abilities, attitudes, work ethic, all in an attempt to justify ourselves.

The vicious cycle created keeps us in conflict with someone else. We blame others for the problem, yet it really all stems back to the choice we made and our need to justify that choice.

Would you like to know how to get out of the box? Read the book.

Leadership Thought Of The Day…

“In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground. A time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other. That time is now.” Wangari Maathai

This quote is part of a lecture given by Mr. Maathai upon receiving the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize.

Within it there is a plea for leaders to provide the type of leadership that gives hope, the type of hope achieved only through higher morality.

However, the only way this higher morality can really be long lasting is through understanding, faith, and a practice of respect toward the authority of God and His word.

Without the proper respect for God and the influence of His word, what purpose would there be for achieving a higher morality?

However, on the basis of both, all of humanity has a reason to change.

This is the summation of our leadership. Eight years have passed since this thought was expressed and it is just as needed today.

Now it is time for us to step up and lead.

What Questions Will We Ask?

One of the most fascinating studies of the Bible involves questions. Examining the questions asked by God and Jesus can be very convicting.

Does God ask because He does not know? Of course not. He asks because He wants us to know.

God asked Adam and Eve “where are you?”  Why? He wanted them to realize what they had done and where it put them in relationship to Him. Do we know where we are in relationship to God?

After an amazing discussion between Jesus and the apostles concerning His leaving and they could not follow, Peter expresses vehemently that he is willing to lay down his life for Jesus.

Jesus simply asks “will you lay down your life for Me?” Of course, we know a short time later Peter denied Jesus three times, just as Jesus foretold. Would we be willing to die for Jesus? Are we willing to live for Jesus? I am convinced, if we are not willing to live for Him, we would never be willing to die for Him.

Take a moment and ask yourself a few questions and think about your answers.

Intimidated Or Intimidating…

While the root of these two words is the same, they have a major difference. The first involves the feelings of the recipient and the second involves the intention of the contributor.

It is this second thought I want us to consider.

I realize it is possible to be intimidating and not be aware of it. This is not the intention or motivation. This person simply carries his or herself in such a way it exudes an intimidating presence.

If this is the case, we should learn to make necessary adjustments to overcome this persona.

However, it is not uncommon for leaders to feel they need to be intimidating to accomplish or achieve their goal or purpose.

This style of leadership will only create a temporary and false sense of accomplishment. In the end, people do not want to follow such leaders. If they do, it is only because they feel trapped, hopelessly lost with no purpose for the future.

People should not be intimidated by leaders and leaders should not be intimidating.

We are leading people to heaven. Therefore, we must give them hope! Think Souls.

Leadership Word Of The Week…Light

Throughout the Bible we find an emphasis upon light, from the beginning (when it was created) to the illumination provided by Christ in the eternal dwelling of heaven.

God is said to be light and there is no darkness in Him. Jesus is called the Light of the world.

Israel was to be a light to the nations. Christians are to be a light to the world.

We are to walk in the light and let our light shine.

While there is more, think for a moment about the light of our leadership.

The role of spiritual leaders has a twofold purpose.

One, we are to lead those who are in darkness into the light of Christ. Here salvation is gained and hope is enjoyed.

Two, we are to help those who are children of light continue walking in the light. Here salvation is maintained and hope for the future is given.

If we can channel our focus in these two areas, our leadership will reach its greatest significance and others who follow will truly be eternally grateful.

Jonah And The Worm…

Jill Briscoe’s book, Jonah and the Worm, is one for all ages. While it is a quick read, the message will not soon be forgotten, especially in connection to the lessons on leadership.

God’s purpose is not always understood at first. Little Worm (as he is referred to) did not understand why God was sending him to Nineveh until after he ate the vine. There will be times we do not understand God’s purpose until we have completed His will.

Whoever does God’s will is great in His eyes, even though they may be small. We often overlook the significance of Gods’ smallest creatures. Yet, God will use those who are obedient to His will. Leaders should never overlook the role of anyone regardless of their size or contribution.

It is not the length, but the power of the message that changes lives. Jonah’s message was only five words and it changed an entire city. Our leadership must learn the significance of this lesson when leading others. Think before speaking.

I recommend this book. We need to constantly learn how to improve our leadership. The lessons here will help.

Leadership Thought Of The Day…

Never confuse pushing with leading. In other words; one will have more success pushing a rope than a church.” Paul Myers

Paul Myers is a very good friend who serves the Lord’s church in Salmon, Idaho. I have grown to love and appreciate his work in many ways. He shares a passion for leadership and I appreciate the thoughts he sends my way.

His quote was too good to pass up. The lesson is truly powerful and one we should learn in order to succeed in our role as spiritual leaders.

We often find ourselves struggling with moving a congregation in the direction the Lord desires. It may be the result of years of tradition, conflict, personalities, spiritual immaturity, or a hundred other ideas.

The challenge is to learn the difference between pushing and leading. People are resistant to being pushed. It tends to raise the hair on the back of the neck.

However, when we are patiently leading by gently pulling in the right direction, in time people feel more comfortable.

Be careful about frustration. Be patient and allow God to work to achieve his will.

Face Time…

As a grandparent I have grown to love Face Time. If you are unfamiliar with this technological advancement, it is simply a means of seeing people face to face electronically when you are talking to them. Perhaps you can see the benefit now.

The use of Face Time has some relevance and significance to leadership.

You must have a connection to use it. The internet connection is necessary to access Face Time. Are we connected to others who are following? Can we really see them and their needs?

The stronger the connection, the greater the ability to communicate. This one generally escapes leaders. The value of a strong connection to others enhances our ability to lead powerfully.

The connection is most effective when we can see others. I am not opposed to an electronic form of communication…obviously. I also understand the value of a phone call. However, I have experienced the best results when being able to see someone face to face.

There is something special about being able to lead face to face. Try a little Face Time and see if it makes a difference.

In One Day…

If we knew we only had one day to live, what would we do differently?

I realize the challenge of answering a hypothetical question, especially when considering the mindset of our culture. We tend to think we have years and years. The result causes us to procrastinate what is  important…and urgent.

For the sake of the next few seconds, how would we answer the question?

Would we spend all our time on Facebook, surfing the internet, watching movies, worrying about what we are going to wear?

Would we be consumed with the appearance of our house?

Would we put off talking to a neighbor, coworker, friend, or relative about Jesus?

I am sure a number of thought provoking and convicting questions could be asked.

We do not know how many days we have left. While we may not “believe” it, intellectually we know the imminence of death.

As spiritual leaders we must regularly ask what we would do if we only had one day. If we know the answer to the question, then I pray we will prioritize our lives to act accordingly.