Perhaps you are familiar with the idea of insanity: “doing the same things in the same way and expecting different results.”

As amazing as it may sound, we often practice a level of insanity when approaching our leadership, we want to do the same things the way we have always done them, yet expect different results.

Our culture has changed. Demographics have changed. We have changed, whether we want to admit it or not.

What we need is a little sanity. By definition, the idea of sanity speaks of reasonable and rational behavior. Now there are two powerful words for leaders to learn.

The thought expressed does not mean we never take risks, nor does it mean we are unwilling to make changes.

The thought behind sanity involves making sure we investigate the facts, consider the pros and cons, and implement change with a reasonable approach for what is best.

We are not talking about something that is unscriptural, but rather not being tied to the traditions of men as binding for eternity.

Sanity or insanity: that is the question.

Today’s post begs a question of possibility. Is it possible in our culture to avoid negativity? The answer is, no!

We cannot completely avoid negativity. Sadly, we are surrounded by it. We often face so much negativity it is difficult to see much positive.

Since, we cannot avoid negativity, what can we do to limit its influence, or put a positive spin on it?

First, prayer is where it all starts. God promises to answer, so why not begin at His throne and seek guidance in overcoming the issue.

Second, focus on spending time with people who are positive. If we struggle to deal with negativity, a good dose of optimism from friends is a another place to help.

Third, the material we read and the messages we hear need to ring with optimism. Turning off the television is a positive beginning point. Read a good book…hey, the Bible is a good thought.

Fourth, commit to saying at least five positive things every day. Once we are comfortable with five, increase the number by five.

Much more could be said, but this is a positive start in the right direction.

Familiarity can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, the more familiar we are with the person or circumstances, the easier it is to take advantage of the situation, have an unhealthy level of contentment, or develop a lesser sense of urgency.

On the other hand, having familiarity instills confidence in the consistency of character or desired outcomes, especially when we talk about leadership.

Developing a familiarity between leaders and followers takes time and a process that involves several key factors.

A mutual respect for the life experiences of each other builds a stronger relationship of trust in the common goals and expectations of the group.

Another critical component to familiarity is to share life experiences with each other. The biblical teaching of “weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice” must be applied.

Create an open door policy that contributes to the approachability of everyone involved. Achieving this task is not easy, but the results bring lasting leadership.

More could be said, but how we address familiarity can hinder or strengthen our leadership.

John Wooden is famous for many reasons, one of which is his leadership thoughts. One of the many quotes used in leadership circles states, “Ability may get you to the top, but it takes character to keep you there.”

The thought he expresses here speaks to one of the most significant areas about leadership.

We have all seen people with great ability, college and professional athletes, musicians, and others in the entertainment field. We also know that many who possess this great ability often demonstrate little character.

Without character, regardless of the ability, it is impossible to have lasting leadership. Nothing could be more true in connection to spiritual leaders.

Perhaps the major difference is the idea of being at the top, because spiritual leadership is about the humility to be at the bottom and to remain humble enough to stay there.

This is where leadership character is needed.

When spiritual influence is guided by a humble spirit, character seems to naturally follow. The combination of the two provides the staying power of a Christlike leadership needed today.

On this day we take time to express thanksgiving. We want you to know how thankful we are for you and your support of The Leadership Project. May this day be filled with wonderful memories.

Happy Thanksgiving
from
The Leadership Project.

Light is defined as “a source of illumination.” Light, however, is so much more when we consider what it actually does and what it symbolizes for spiritual leaders.

We could say that light is simply the absence of darkness; “God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all.”

Jesus claimed to be the “light of the world.” He also said His disciples were the “light of the world, a city set on a hill,” and followed this by saying, “Let your light shine.”

Leaders need to be illuminating a vision that is built on our faith and trust in God and His word.

Our light needs to shine forth the example of Jesus as it is revealed throughout the Gospels. When this happens, our good works are seen in such a way that others will glorify God.

Light is a key word in the Gospel of John. The next time you read through this powerful Gospel, highlight the word “light.” Then consider how the word is used in context and how it applies to our leadership. It is a study worth our time.

Is there really a difference between a “reason” and an “excuse?” We have all heard someone say, “I’m not making up an excuse, there is a good reason why…”

When we consider the time we take to pray and study God’s word, what single reason would we give for not being more dedicated to this time?

When we examine how we live our life (words we use, attitude we display, places we visit, how we treat our family, and our attendance to worship) what single reason would we give for the choices we make?

When we think about our allegiances to friends and family, what single reason would we give for placing those allegiances above our loyalty and faithfulness to God?

More questions could be asked, and the convicting nature of these questions is aimed at me first and foremost.

If asking them helps you to consider your relationship with God, then this post has been successful. Please know our time, life, and allegiances all need greater consideration as we must one day give an account for how we prioritize them. Let us lead with the same consideration.

Decisions are part of life. Every day is filled with decision-making. Sometimes the decisions are quick and easy to make. Other times they are difficult and require a great deal more thought.

We understand that many decisions have little consequence: what to eat for breakfast, what clothes to wear, etc.

Other decisions, however, carry great consequence: the choice of a spouse, where we live, our occupation, raising children, etc.

There is one decision that is extremely consequential and that is the decision to follow Christ. This one decision should be the foundation for all other decisions.

As leaders, we carry a responsibility that is twofold: 1) we must be about leading others to the decision of following Christ, and 2) we must also lead others to make every decision that guides their life based on that one decision.

The next time we think about a decision, let us take a moment to determine how this decision will influence others and if it will fit within the twofold responsibility as a leader for Christ.

The subjects of wisdom and courage have warranted discussion on many levels for a long time. These two qualities or attributes are critical to the development of leaders.

Mark Amend added a significant level to the dimension of our understanding and application of these two words when he said, “Wisdom is learning to let go when you want to hang on. Courage is learning to hang on when you want to let go.”

How many people or projects have we held on to that were destructive, when wisdom said we should have let go long before?

How many times have we let go when the courage to hang on one more day or week would have delivered success?

We need to develop the posture of learning. Wisdom and courage provide great benefit when we learn from them.

Learning to let go even when our emotions are telling us something contrary, and learning to hang on when the appearance of letting go makes sense, are foundational components to demonstrating wisdom and courage.

Spiritual leaders today need to learn the potent combination of these two attributes.

Concluding this series today, we consider one final area of great leadership demonstrated by our Lord: His confidence in twelve men to turn the world upside down.

Jesus taught, encouraged, admonished, and equipped these men in preparation for the work He commissioned them to fulfill.

Looking at these four words and thinking about how Jesus individualized each of them, the lessons are powerful for great leadership today.

Teach: People do the work they are taught to do. One of the areas where teaching / preaching falls short is application. We are good at giving information and sharing imperatives, but “how” do we do it? When this information is taught, we all learn how to fulfill the task.

Encourage: The power behind encouragement motivates people to work harder than before. When criticism is tempered with encouragement, people change.

Admonish: Warning, advising, or even reprimanding is needed to prevent harm from occurring in the lives of others. The attitude behind admonition determines the reception.

Equip: Providing the necessary tools to fulfill the given task and responsibility are vital to the success of followers, especially as they are prepared to lead.