A number of beautiful analogies exist that involve helping people reach their potential in leadership. Timber Hawkeye points out, “Flowers only bloom when they are ready. People are the same way. You cannot rush or force them open just because you think it’s time. Be patient.”

This beautiful analogy is needed for leadership. Successful leadership does not consist of leading people all in the same way, because people are not the same.

The principles of leadership never change. People, however, learn and advance differently. There are those who pick up on the process quickly, while others learn at a slower pace. An effort to rush or force them into places or positions when and where they are not ready only creates frustration for everyone involved.

While patience is a virtue that most everyone desires to have “right now,” the ability to demonstrate patience in the development of others is a treasured quality of leaders.

The beauty of patience, when demonstrated by leaders, is seen when followers are encouraged to develop in ways that reach their greatest potential.

A few years ago, I heard a devotional about the positive nature of change. In discussing the lesson afterwards, two reasons were shared why people are apprehensive to change.

1) They feel change will cause them to lose something from the past they want to hold on to. The idea is that if someone changes, the structure, concept, or approach may be lost.

2) The second reason is fear, a fear of the unknown, fear of uncertainty, or a fear of losing control.

However, the nature of change brings several positive qualities.

Questions are generated for gaining a better perspective in prioritizing our purpose in going forward.

Change leads to improvement. Becoming more Christ-like requires us to change.

We rally together in a unified effort to work for a common purpose.

Change creates firsts we have never experienced which bring enjoyment and satisfaction.

Our faith is bolstered as we move into the unknown. We learn to trust God for strength.

Additionally, change brings an air of excitement and enthusiasm.

The lesson concluded with this incredible thought: “Embrace change, for it is the stuff of a brighter tomorrow.”

The road of life has highs and lows. There are times we are on top of the mountain, and there are other times we walk through the valley.

David understood this as he penned the words of the twenty-third Psalm.

What stands out from this Psalm is David’s understanding of what was ahead of him, not behind. He knew that even though he walked through the “valley of the shadow of death,” God was with him and he would dwell with God forever.

As leaders, we are messengers of hope. People can endure just about anything if they know there is something better ahead. They need hope something will be better.

The challenge is learning how to help others see that our hope is not based in a promise of a better physical life, but something beyond this life and beyond compare.

This kind of hope was the driving force of the early church, even in the face of death.

Paul indicated this kind of hope saves us because with it we will endure.

Better days are ahead, maybe not in this life, but God holds eternity.

Where are we going? Do we know? What will we need to do to get there? How will we know when we arrive?

When traveling, we understand the need to have a map––at least a plan––to reach our destination in a proper amount of time.

Physically, we make application of this daily. What we think about in terms of spiritual matters is a completely different story.

However, the spiritual approach is no different. We know the destination and we desire to get there. We anticipate the arrival, but do we know what needs to be done to get there?

If we are not careful, it is easy to get caught up in the physical areas of life and think less about the spiritual. We then expect God to just “take care of it.”

Since our destination is heaven, the map––plan––we need to consult is laid out through the pages of God’s word.

We would think someone foolish not to follow a map to a destination they have never been before. If so, then how much more foolish when the eternal destination is far more consequential?

How much money is regularly spent on a chance to win millions of dollars?

Regardless of the odds, most people believe they have a shot to win. For those who do win, the responsibility that accompanies these winnings is overwhelming.

Turn the page and consider the odds of hearing the Gospel. What chance is there, out of all the people on the planet who have never even heard the name of Jesus, you and I heard it?

Why were we blessed with the opportunity to hear the Gospel when so many in the world hear an altered version if they hear it at all?

Maybe this is the first time we have considered these questions. However, we need to recognize the responsibility that comes with this opportunity.

Should we keep it to ourselves? Can we really go through each day without considering the numbers of those who walk through life unaware of what awaits in eternity?

As Christians, we are blessed among all people. This blessing is one meant to be shared, leading others to a hope of something beyond what even winning millions of dollars offers. Think Souls!

Occasionally, an expression makes us uncomfortable. Such is the case with a statement from Neal Donald Walsch, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. So if you’re feeling uncomfortable right now, know that the change taking place in your life is a beginning, not an ending.”

Getting out of the rut to think or try something different is not usually on the agenda.

Interestingly, the success of leadership depends on the ability, or maybe the flexibility, to recognize the limits of our comfort zone and how life begins at that point.

Recently, we discussed insanity: doing the same things in the same way, yet expecting different results.

The main thought here is known as the comfort zone. We do this because its where we operate most comfortably.

Imagine the change in following God within the Jewish nation after 1,500+ years of the same approach, and now something occurred far different than their comfort zone.

Leadership operates the same. We are not talking unscriptural, but when ideas and plans are introduced that make us uncomfortable, maybe life is just beginning.

To say we live in a multicultural society is a gross understatement. We can no longer think about what might come in the future; it is already on our doorstep. Additionally, we cannot think about what we will do when it happens. Clearly, multiculturalism has been here for a long time.

If we are not knowledgeable about or preparing more fervently to address it, we are way behind.

The challenge is determining how we can best approach leading within a multicultural context. A few considerations:

1. Stop procrastinating and gain a better understanding of multiculturalism. Trying to deny or ignore that it exists will only create greater problems.
2. Get immersed in developing relationships across those cultural boundaries. Cultural boundaries exist everywhere, not just geographically.
3. Remember, we are participating in a small part of what God has done and continues to do. Who knows but we are here for such a time as this.

The depth of the subject far exceeds the expectations of one post. However, the subject is essential for the present and future understanding of leadership.

Will Rogers once said, ”Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”

This idea has implications in every area of life, but certainly in the areas of leadership. Take time to read it again and consider the following ideas.

First, the implication is that we are on the right track. Some people are on the wrong track, and whether they sit still or move in the same direction, if it is the wrong track there are consequences.

Second, there is an intentionality to the idea expressed. We are talking about movement and an intentional movement in the right direction.

Third, the possibility of being run over are great enough when we are moving, but sitting still assures a destructive result, which no one wants to happen.

Fourth, sitting in the same place is not an option. Even if we are on the right track, immobility creates a negative impact on the morale of others, especially followers.

One thought, but it is power packed with information. Think about how it impacts our leadership.

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.