Category: Daily Leadership

The Catalyst

When a leader serves as a catalyst amazing things happen.

One main characteristic of a catalyst is that of helping others.

In their book, The Starfish and the Spider, Brafman and Beckstrom researched several areas concerning leadership and the qualities of a catalyst.

Consistent with each was their desire to help others.

Spiritual catalysts are able to effect powerful influence because they desire to help others.

They help others see and reach their potential, while connecting them with people who can assist them on the journey.

The need for catalysts is significant in the development of the Lord’s kingdom.

Confidentiality

One of the most critical areas in leadership involves an understanding of confidentiality. Leaders must know how to keep something in confidence.

Followers need to know they can place their feelings, even their very lives, into the hands of someone they trust.

The ability to keep something in confidence makes leaders approachable and strengthens the bond of relationships.

Confidentiality is a privilege that provides guidelines for developing greater leadership.

Leaders must guard what has been placed into their sacred trust. When they do, the character they develop builds a leadership worth following.

What Now?

How did we get here? This is a common question asked when…

…principles have been compromised and the consequences are greater than expected.

…plans are not implemented and the impending results end in failure.

…guidelines are not recognized and chaos emerges.

…tragedy strikes and no steps were taken to prepare for it.

When we find ourselves at a place we did not intend, desire, or plan for, we wonder “how did I get here?”

Knowing how we get where we are is the not the question we should ask.

The question we need to ask and answer is, “What are we going to do now to move forward?”

Unscriptural or Uncomfortable?

There is a difference in something being uncomfortable versus unscriptural.

The challenge is recognizing the difference, but how?

Know the book. When knowledge of God’s word is weak, leaders will struggle to know if something is biblical or not.

Seek wisdom through prayer. Prayer is one of the most powerful tools and often neglected. God says ask for wisdom and it will be given.

Ask the right questions.
What does the Bible say about this matter? Is this practice tradition? Should it continue? How will it affect the church?

Be patient. No decision should be made in one meeting. Give it time, but be careful not to procrastinate.

Trust and Respect

When leadership fails there is a loss of trust and respect.

The task before leaders is learning what to do to regain trust and respect when it has been lost.

Three negatives: 1) Do not ignore or deny it, 2) Do not attempt to cover it up, and 3) Never blame someone else.

Instead, consider four positives: 1) Admit the failure, 2) Be specific about the failure), 3) Ask for forgiveness, and 4) Give a step by step plan for overcoming the failure.

A simple upfront approach is where the healing begins.

A Tenacious Leader

Think for a moment about the nature and application of tenacity for leaders.

When talking about how to face challenges, leaders hold tenacity.

When working through personal problems, leaders demonstrate tenacity.

When establishing direction, leaders portray tenacity.

When developing plans for the future, leaders lead with tenacity.

When needing to achieve the goals, leaders carry tenacity.

When seeking guidance in tough decisions, leaders exemplify tenacity.

Developing a persistent character of tenacity to pursue a solution until it is successful takes time. Leaders who possess tenacity lead with perseverance and lay a foundation for success.

A Spiritual Leader

How should we define spiritual leadership? Realizing there are numerous possibilities, perhaps the best approach is to consider a biblical response.

Here are 10 scriptural ways to help define spiritual leaders. Spiritual leaders…

1) Move people to be more like God.
2) Rely on the blood of Christ.
3) Work to accomplish the will of God.
4) Encourage the fainthearted.
5) Admonish the unruly.
6) Strengthen the weak.
7) Seek first the kingdom of God.
8) Pray without ceasing.
9) Search the scriptures daily.
10) Trust fully in the working of God.

These are 10 suggestions and require a lifetime to develop in leadership.

Developing Leaders

Confidence. Courage. Compassion. Integrity. Each of these qualities are a vital part of developing the type of leaders needed today.

Douglass MacArthur said, “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.”

If leaders today will demonstrate the type of qualities identified and the integrity to stand behind those qualities, their leadership will always stand strong and point others to the God who brought them to this position.

Finding Answers

When I observe my children and grandchildren, I understand the idea of looking for and awaiting answers related to trials experienced in life.

Fear, anxiety, and frustration can take control quickly. How can we eliminate these concerns and find the needed answers during such times?

Where do leaders go to find answers when adversity occurs, questions arise?

Leadership involves providing guidance, direction, encouragement, support, and knowing how to give answers to help others overcome their fears, anxiety and frustration. Where can a leader go to find the answers?

Pray.
Listen to God’s word.
Seek counsel.
Learn the value of trust.
Admit mistakes.
Never miss the opportunity to grow.

When A Leader Fails

I have been fascinated with a number of quotes and principles regarding leadership and what happens when leaders fail to be trustworthy.

One primary thought expressed by John Maxwell, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.”

On more than one occasion I have heard various news reporters express the idea of accountability. Specifically, one analyst expressed that what leaders need to do when mistakes are made is to confess the mistake, take responsibility, and let the chips fall where they may.

What happens when leaders fail?

Leaders will experience failure and make mistakes. How leaders strategically maneuver during these times determines the level of trust from those who follow.