Motivating others to act or move in a specific direction can be difficult, and defining motivation is tricky.

When exactly do we mean when we say someone is unmotivated?
Do people know what they are supposed to do?
Do they know how to achieve the task?
When was the last time we reminded them?
Have we made it clear why this is valuable?
Are there regular times of evaluation?

Successful motivation appeals to self-interests. When we carefully establish our approach, we begin to see changes in those we want to motivate.

The more faithful the leader, the greater the trust developed. The result is confidence.

Paul was confident in his Savior. John spoke of the confidence we have in prayer. The common thread in both thoughts is faith.

Our confidence is built on faith.

With faith in the power of God, impossibility is eliminated.
With faith in the working of God, prayers are answered.
With faith in the power of God working in us, we can change the world.

I pray our leadership possesses the confidence God intended for a people of faith.

Where trust exists, growth, development, and lower costs result.

When we trust someone, everything runs more clearly, smoothly, and quickly. However, when trust is not a part of the relationship, there are challenges to what is said and done by everyone.

One of our primary goals in leadership is to establish relationships built on trust.

Trust increases the amount of work accomplished.
Trust decreases the expenses of the overall task.
Trust builds comfort and confidence.
Trust changes everything.

Take time to read Stephen Covey’s book, The Speed of Trust.

Numerous factors determine the making of a leader. Vince Lombardi said, “Contrary to the opinion of many people, leaders are not born, leaders are made, and they are made by effort and hard work.”

It all comes down to two four lettered words…hard work! 

When leaders work hard, their character demonstrates leadership.
When leaders work hard, success is the reward.
When leaders work hard, others will follow their example.

The making of a leader involves a number of areas, but the bottom line is hard work!

Leadership is universal in application, and is not limited to race, gender, age, or position. Anyone can lead from anywhere.

The mindset of a global leader demonstrates a compassion for souls that drives their actions beyond a location.

They give their lives to prepare others to lead.
They dedicate themselves to the work of evangelism.
They love all people and want them to be saved.
They work to serve, not to be served.

The example provided by these leaders demonstrates the character needed for those who learn under them. They lead from anywhere and everywhere around the globe.

Life is temporary, and someone will carry on when we leave this life. The question is, to whom will we pass the torch?

Paul passed the torch to Timothy, his “true child in the faith.” Paul further instructed Timothy to do the same.

Our children carry on the family name and our traditions.

The church faces a crisis of preparing men to shepherd the Lord’s church, fill pulpits with sound doctrine, and train teachers for the future of the church.

It’s about passing the torch. Who will replace you and me? To whom will we pass the torch?

What determines success or failure?

Success is defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. It is further identified as the attainment of popularity or profit.

While this is broad, it is also revealing. How often do we consider success only in terms of fame and fortune?

In leadership, we need to remember that true success is defined as…

Remaining true to the course…
Learning from mistakes…
Seeing growth in a positive direction…
Growing the members…

Most may measure success by a profit and loss column, but not in spiritual leadership. True success is measured by God.

Criticism abounds, and we’ve considered how leaders must give criticism, but another challenge addresses how we receive it.

We cannot exhaust the list, but as leaders, a few suggestions for receiving criticism include:

Keep a record and review the criticism.
Always receive criticism gracefully. Be genuine.
Learn to ask questions for clarification.
Do not quit! Instead, accept criticism as a challenge to improve.

When leaders learn how to give and receive criticism, the results bring growth for all.

No one enjoys receiving criticism, because it is generally viewed as negative. However, criticism is not always bad.

Criticism provides an avenue to determine credibility and authenticity. We call it “constructive criticism.”

The challenge for leaders comes in the form of how to give criticism. When giving criticism, leaders should be straightforward and honest, but tactful. Criticism serves to…

Show both weak and strong points.
Help us see ourselves the way others see us.
Provide suggestions for improvement.
Emphasize major or recurring faults, not to get even or vent emotion.

More on Monday…

Moving beyond the “here and now” presents its challenges. Visionary leadership is rare. Hanz Finzel said, “The higher one is in leadership, the more their work is about the future.”

Our work involves seeing the future and preparing others to reach the goal(s). This requires us to consider a few questions.

Do we know where we are going?
What are our plans to reach the destination?
Are resources available to help us?
Have we assessed the abilities of everyone involved?

Leaders need an awareness of the present, but point towards a greater future.