Not trying to date myself, but I remember listening to music on LP’s and 45’s. The interesting part of 45’s involved an A and B side. The hit song was usually recorded on the A side and a filler song was on the B, of lesser quality.

I have seen this in several venues. Preachers who speak twice on Sunday tend to give the A lesson Sunday morning (largest crowd). Sadly, the Sunday night crowd often gets the B lesson.

It is true in sports. Generally, when the playoffs roll around many athletes tend to bring the A game. However, during practice or regular season games the B effort is produced (a lesson for another time).

How about our families? Do we give everyone our A side and when we get home give our families what is leftover (the B side)?

You should already know where I am going. When it comes to leading, are we producing an A effort or do we give the leftovers, a B effort?

It’s the difference in producing a hit or just a filler. The choice is ours.

I have flown over 100,000 miles in the past 18 months. I am amazed at the differences (and the cost) between economy, economy plus, first class and business class.

For an additional $120 you receive 5 inches more space for economy plus. For $700 you receive enough space to sleep, slippers for your feet and a blanket, food served on a plate (with real silverware), as well as, personal attention.

I know this, not because I have flown in business class, but because in order to exit you have to walk through this section of the plane. This was good planning on the part of the airlines.

This may mean nothing to you. However, I see a connection to leadership. Is our leadership an economy version or business class? When people walk by and observe our leadership, are they longing for a leader who delivers personal attention? Are we providing a level of comfort so they know they are well cared for by our leadership?

Try offering business class and watch the difference in those who are following.

Sometimes it is the simple lessons in life that make the greatest impact.

A few years ago, after presenting a lesson for the congregation where I was working, an elderly gentleman approached me. I have learned over the years to never anticipate what might come next. Such was the case on this occasion. The only thing he said was, “remember the 5 P’s, proper preparation prevents poor performance.”

At first I thought, did I miss something? In my mind I thought I poured my time, ability and heart into the lesson. What did he mean? The truth of the matter involved another “P,” perception. Regardless of how much I put into the lesson, his perception was one showing a lack of preparation.

I learned several lessons from this encounter in application to leadership.

1) Preparation is noticeable.

2) People are always watching…and listening.

3) Perception is reality.

4) Plan time for self-examination.

The fact others are watching and listening is not new. What do they see in us as a leader? What are they hearing? What perception do they have of our leadership?

Always remember the 5 + 1 “P’s” when examining leadership.

The idea of leading leaders is exciting.

However, leaders are often intimidated with someone who shows leadership ability. Is it insecurity? Are they threatened? Is it pride? Power?

To practice not leading leaders is to condemn the future. The very idea destroys opportunity for the development of men and women who will shape the destiny of others.

However, leading leaders directs the course of success for family, business, state, country and the church. John Maxwell claims, “a leader who produces other leaders multiplies their influences.”

Think about the most influential leader in your organization. If they died today, what would happen to the direction of tomorrow? Who would step in and fill the gap? Is there anyone who can do so? Will you?

No one is irreplaceable, regardless of what we might think of our abilities and contributions to the place we work. Imagine the contribution to your employer if you are leading those who will replace you, who can step in and fill the gap when you are gone.

Now that is a formula for success.

My wife and I went for breakfast on this Labor Day at one of our favorite spots.

Particularly today the restaurant was packed. Keep in mind we are talking mid-morning. It was unusual for the restaurant to be so busy, even for a holiday. We have a favorite waitress, an elderly woman by the name of Paulette. It is always worth the wait for her section.

While we waited for a table, we noticed only four servers and one manager working. The manager was busy cleaning tables, taking names of customers waiting to eat, and keeping his few employees as upbeat as possible.

What happened to everyone? Was management unaware of additional business on a holiday? Did employees call in last minute and take the day off?

I know as little about the operation of a restaurant as I do flying an airplane. However, there are principles of leadership with prevalent application. Expect the unexpected!

In leadership, there will always be occasions when the unexpected occurs. Retaining people is determined by how the unexpected is handled. In short, preparation for the unexpected makes the difference in success or failure.

Perhaps you have heard this phrase or one similar, “Well, if it were up to me, I would _____________” (you fill in the blank)

Well, what would we really do if it were up to you or me?

Would we treat our spouse differently? Would we raise our children differently? Would we give more consideration to our influence on co-workers, neighbors and friends?

Generally, this phrase is used in situations where we have no control or influence. But, what about the areas we do have control and influence? It is up to us. So, what are we doing?

Be a leader! Lead your family to heaven. Lead your co-workers, neighbors and friends to Christ. Lead a Bible class. Lead in worship. For the sake of the future, lead!! The bottom line? It is all up to you and me. Don’t just talk about it. Do something about it, because we can!

I find it interesting how turning a phrase around makes all the difference.

Insurance for life implies having insurance for the rest of your life. While life insurance is protection in the event of death.

Regardless of how one feels about insurance, it is necessary for protection in untimely events. Not all insurance companies are the same. Not all client needs are the same. However, the bottom line is the same, we need protection.

Follow a similar line of thinking with leadership. Not all leaders are the same. Not all needs are the same. However, the bottom line is the same, we need leaders.

Without spiritual leadership, chaos results. For the nation of Israel, “every man did what was right in his own eyes,” Judges 17:6.

Without spiritual leadership, Satan sends his workers forth trying to deceive even the elect.

Without spiritual leadership, the next generation will not know God.

Without spiritual leadership, all hope is lost.

Spiritual leadership can turn it all around, no matter how you coin the phrase.

I recently turned 49. I am approaching the half-century mark. On one hand, I cannot believe I have lived this long. On the other hand, I wonder what the years ahead hold.

My body often reminds me I am no longer 25. Yet, I still feel pretty good. Then, my father quickly reminds me of what the next 25 holds.

Recently, I heard a piece of advice Neal Pollard’s grandfather gave him, “an old man lives with what a young man does.”

I realize several lessons come from this nugget of wisdom, but consider the application in leadership. We are living today with the decisions of the past. We should also consider, the decisions of today will direct the course of our future.

The lack of spiritual leadership today will bring deterioration in the church. A strong spiritual leadership today will strengthen the direction of the church. We need strong spiritual leaders.

Either way, we can know with certainty, the future of the church depends on the direction of leadership today. The reason? “An old man lives with what a young man does.” Let us lead today with spiritual strength.

I remember the first time I ran 6 miles. I was afraid. What if I could not finish? How would I get back to the car? Home?

To make matters worse, I was running with a 65 year old gentleman (I was 32). We easily finished the run and I had the running bug. I have been running now for 17 years. You can do the math!

We started slowly and talked freely, but the pace increased. Approaching the last half-mile, the pace became more intense. I learned a valuable piece of advice, as he said, “always finish like a runner.”

Our culture tends to not think long-term. The concern is “here and now” rather than “hereafter.” We sprint to the proverbial finish line. Life, as well as leadership, is not a sprint, but a marathon. Prepare for the distance.

Read Hebrews 12:1; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; and 2 Timothy 4:7. The race is life and, more specifically, the Christian life. While leading, settle in for the distance and keep your eyes on the finish line. It’s not how you start, but how you finish that makes the difference.

I own a book by the late Francis Schaeffer entitled “How Should We Then Live?” Schaeffer’s book laid the foundation for a video/DVD series with the same title during the 1970’s. The depth behind Schaeffer’s historical construction challenges even the mind of today, 35 years later.

The bottom line behind the ascent and decline of civilization and culture throughout history all comes back to leadership. Several events in history have been instrumental in shaping our present culture, good and bad.

Did leadership shape culture?

Did culture shape leadership?

Does leadership arise out of the need within the culture at a particular time or in the face of circumstance?

It is interesting to study the leadership of former presidents. Over the past 100 years the definition of leadership has changed with each decade based upon the leadership of this country and the pressing circumstances.

How should we then lead today? The moral decline of our culture, the corruption of political arenas, the agenda within religious venues, the standard of ethical practice, and the voice of right, all challenge us to answer the question. How will we answer?