We have discussed several areas concerning fear in the past, but as fear relates to leadership deserves consideration as our word of the week.

Fear is an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat. Adding a historical element to fear includes the idea of a mixed feeling of dread and reverence.

Knowing the definition of fear helps us recognize that fear can be good or bad. A healthy fear can be instrumental in delivering us from the danger of pain or threat. Without fear, especially in relationship to God, it can lead to eternal consequences.

There is a negative side to the relationship of fear when it comes to leaders. Some leaders rule with an iron fist, a strong arm approach to keep others afraid. They lead by intimidation and the result is destructive.

The last thing we need is to have others follow because they are afraid of their leaders. May we always understand how to demonstrate a healthy fear for God and lead without an unhealthy intimidation that keeps others under our power.

Life can be discouraging when we feel we are taken for granted. If we understand that feeling, then perhaps we can relate to how others feel when we take them for granted.

This happens in families, at school, on the job, around our neighborhoods, and hundreds of other places on a daily basis. Generally speaking, we become so comfortable in our relationships with others, or we become complacent about the feelings others, to the point we do not invest in the relationship. We begin saying and doing things without thought as to how our words and actions affect others. We take for granted they will understand or they know us, therefore, justifying our behavior.

Whether we are taken for granted, or we are taking others for granted, as leaders we have a responsibility.

Without investing in these relationships, we lose the opportunity to influence others in ways that lead to lasting friendships and eternal rewards.

We cannot always change the words and actions of others, but we can look at ourselves and address what needs to be changed to eliminate taking others for granted.

“The past is where you learned the lesson. The future is where you apply the lesson. Don’t give up in the middle.” Unknown

There are many reasons why the past is the best learning ground, but the primary reason is because experience teaches us what works and what doesn’t.

Based on the lessons learned, the wisdom gained directs the decisions, attitudes, and actions of our future. Here, we apply the lessons gained from past experiences.

The challenge is learning to never give up in between learning the lessons which are viewed in our past and recovering enough to make the proper application of those lessons in the future.

If we do, the difference between what has been and what will be is an incredible transition into a leadership that establishes credibility and deserves respect.

One last twist: when we learn lessons from the past experiences of others and make the right application in our lives for the future, we are demonstrating the wisdom of God’s intended purpose in the revealed word. Let us read to learn from the past, guide our steps in the future, and persevere until then.

A leading question is used to invoke conversation, an attempt to get someone else to communicate about their understanding of facts, knowledge, or feelings. From a legal perspective, a leading question is often used to get someone to answer the question in a specific way, leading them to often incriminate themselves or someone else.

At times, leaders may need to use both. However, the primary approach for today’s post is to consider the need for leading or opening questions to promote communication.

The purpose behind encouraging communication with others is threefold:

1) When others are encouraged to communicate, they respond in interesting ways. Suddenly, their confidence level increases. They feel appreciated and important. Is this not the purpose of leading?

2) We learn more by listening to others. We learn about how they feel, their desires, struggles, joys, sorrows, and what motivates them. Knowing these areas aids our ability to lead them.

3) Another significant result is a powerful learning environment. Leaders will be surprised with what is learned when the creative minds of followers are unleashed in this setting.

The results are worth the effort for leaders.

Today, my wife and I celebrate our anniversary. While this day will always be special, it is what I learn from her each day that continues to amaze me.

She teaches me the importance of focusing on the present. I find it easy to get consumed with tomorrow, thinking about the future and disconnecting from the present. She reminds me not to miss any moment.

She teaches me the value of service. If there is someone who exemplifies the servant’s heart, it is her. Every word and action is chosen on the basis of how it better serves others.

Above all, she teaches me what love means. From the first day, her love for me, her children, and now her grandchildren, stands as an example to emulate. The true biblical definition of seeking the highest good of others above herself is continually demonstrated toward all who know her.

To say that I am blessed is the greatest understatement of the millennium. I am not only thankful for her guidance, encouragement, example, and love, but I praise God for the opportunity to know a woman of such character. Happy Anniversary Sheryl! I love you TTBOTM.

If it is essential it is absolutely necessary. The importance-factor of what is essential moves leadership to a new level.

However, the challenge is determining what is essential and what is not. Spiritually speaking, there are a number of components that play a key role in the area of essentiality.

1) Character: The late General Schwarzkoph said, “Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without strategy.” Character is essential to success.

2) Passion: Although we often think of passion as enthusiasm or excitement, the origin of the word involves suffering and sacrifice. The willingness to sacrifice is essential for leadership.

3) Vision: Vision is not about what is seen, but seeing what is unseen, about insight. Faith is the factor necessary for the development of leadership vision and vision is essential to spiritual leadership.

4) Goals: David Swartz said, “Goals are as essential to success as air is to life.” Without goals we have no way of knowing where we are going.

These are only four areas, but they are essential to our leadership.

Imagine how different our lives would be if we wrote a “rule of life.” The idea behind this concept is to focus on our purpose in life.

Before considering the connection to leadership, answer the following questions.

Have we ever sat down and written out our purpose of life?

Why are we pursuing the course in life we are pursuing?

What do we want to achieve and get out of life?

Would we be willing to write down our purpose in life?

What implications would exist with having a written purpose for life?

Knowing and reminding ourselves of our purpose in life will continue to keep us focused on the impact of our words and actions.

Having a “rule of life” gives us meaning and hope for what the future holds.

A rule of life changes the way we see God, develop family, and influence others.

At some point sharing our rule of life with others encourages others to do the same. Remember, our rule of life should incorporate our understanding of God, His working in our life, and our desire to glorify Him.

“Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone’s face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.” Henri Nouwen

We are all familiar with the expression, “people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.” Answering the questions presented by Nouwen are foundational to caring for others.

When Paul wrote the church at Philippi, his emphasis and theme spoke to the need of putting others above self. Centered around the example of Jesus, Paul identified several, including himself, who were concerned about the brethren at Philippi.

Imagine what the church would be like today if, at the end of the day, everyone took the time to answer the six questions above. If we focused on putting others above ourselves: their needs, concerns, cares, worries, and desires, the church and this world would sure be a better place.

While the root of these two words is the same, they have a major difference. The first involves the feelings of the recipient and the second involves the intention of the contributor.

Consider the second thought.

The possibility exists that someone can be intimidating and not be aware of it. This is not the intention or motivation. A person simply carries his or herself in such a way it exudes an intimidating presence.

If this is the case, we should learn to make necessary adjustments to overcome this persona.

However, it is not uncommon for leaders to feel they need to be intimidating to accomplish or achieve their goal or purpose.

This style of leadership will only create a temporary and false sense of accomplishment. In the end, people do not want to follow such leaders. If they do, it is only because they feel trapped. Hope is lost and there is no purpose for the future.

People should not be intimidated by leaders and leaders should not be intimidating.

We are leading people to heaven and they need leaders who give them hope! Think Souls.

While this phrase may be overused, it expresses a thought worthy of application.

Two key words represent the significance of this phrase: expect and prepare. Every leader needs to possess and portray a high level of expectation as well as preparation.

Sadly, the opposite mindset often exists. Leaders can expect the worst, while preparing for the best. They tend to be pessimistic, even though they desire positive results. In the end, the final analysis leads to a leadership that confuses followers and creates a lack of trust.

Turn this around, however, and a leader can present an optimistic confidence by which followers develop certainty and conviction.

Leaders must always expect the best because the result instills hope in all who follow. The key element is preparation. To be prepared for the worst, leaders must consider a few questions:

1) What is the worst possible scenario?

2) Who will be affected if this happens?

3) What actions need to be taken to prevent the worst case scenario?

4) How will we respond if the worst case occurs?

These four ideas prepare a foundation for leadership success by minimizing the opportunity for the worst.