A resolution is a firm decision to do or not to do something. Approaching the end of the year brings a time where many people focus on making resolutions.

These resolutions come in the form of physical health changes (stop smoking or drinking, lose weight, exercise, etc.), fiscal changes (save more money, give more to charity, benevolence, etc.), intellectual changes (read more, take a class, earn a degree, etc.), and for some, spiritual changes (read the Bible more, pray more, attend worship more, etc.).

Perhaps other ideas play into who we are and what we do, but generally speaking, a resolution involves an improvement in some area of life. At times, these improvements better our own personal lives and sometimes they improve the lives of others.

Leaders focus on resolutions that include both because there is a need to improve who we are, but also to influence others in ways that improve their lives.

Let us all be encouraged to use this opportunity to consider how we can make resolutions that expand our leadership in ways that influence and improve life here and eternally.

Another word used in the recent Forbes’ article concerning the expectations of leaders is “respect.” The article highlights the difference between recognition and respect; “The recognized leader appeals to the head where things are easily forgotten, while the respected leader captivates the heart – and the heart does not forget.”

Regardless of the environment or situation, people want leaders who respect and value each area they contribute to the achievement of organizational goals.

We understand the key role respect plays by leaders toward followers, but also regarding the need for leaders to gain respect. By their words, actions, decisions, follow-through, achievement, and numerous additional areas, leaders establish a foundation for gaining respect.

Few areas, however, gain respect more quickly than by showing respect for others. A couple of suggestions to accomplish this task include: 1) attention given to work accomplished, 2) time to build relationships, 3) accepting responsibility and giving accountability, 4) transparency, and 5) trust.

Leaders who strive to gain, earn, and achieve respect, lead with heart. They touch the lives of those who follow and change the power of teamwork in the growth of any organization.

“When you improve a little each day, eventually big things occur. When you improve conditioning a little each day, eventually you have a big improvement in conditioning. Not tomorrow, not the next day, but eventually a big gain is made. Don’t look for the big, quick improvement. Seek the small improvement one day at a time. That’s the only way it happens — and when it happens, it lasts.” John Wooden

The power of improving a little each day cannot be overstated. The tendency of our current culture is to think we need to make big improvements and quickly. However, the lasting influence of a little improvement each day is demonstrated through the big improvements that result over the long haul.

Imagine how much more could be accomplished and how enduring the achievement when leaders work on developing their leadership a little each day.

Approaching leadership development in this way provides the greatest opportunity to implement a plan that allows leaders to become the changing influence of the future.

Along with all the activities of the day, I pray this is a special time with family. Share the time and enjoy what this day is all about. Thank you for reading the “Leadership Fund” each day.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.

Moving forward in our discussion of discipline takes us into an area involving the direction of a leader’s personal conduct or behavior.

As challenging as self-discipline is for each of us, one of the most significant areas addresses developing new behaviors.

In order for an activity to become a habit, the general rule of thumb is that it takes 21 days. Obviously, this is not a hard and fast rule, but is generally the case.

We are also aware of the expression, “second nature.” Using this idea expresses a similar thought of making something habitual; we practice over and over until the activity seems natural, or second nature.

Today’s post adds to this idea and helps improve the level of discipline that becomes characteristic of our life, or perhaps we should say “lifestyle.”

When discipline is applied, an activity becomes a lifestyle. The idea is more than a habit or second nature. We do not have to think because it is “first-nature.”

The time needed to develop a discipline that becomes a lifestyle varies from one person to another, but when it happens, leadership expands to a new level.

This week’s word involves “sensitive insight.” The idea, however, is stronger when connected to additional words describing leaders who are perceptive: discerning, intuitive, observant, and discriminating.

Leaders are aware of the nature and importance of perception. The perception of followers concerning the words and activities of leaders is vital to the credibility and confidence placed in leadership.

When leaders are perceptive, the idea goes beyond the concepts connected to the perception of others. The idea extends to a leader’s insight of individuals, situations, and plans.

Consider the implication of a perceptive leader that has shown and continues to show good judgment. Their discernment is exemplified as credible and perceptive.

The instinctive, or intuitive, quality of a leader allows them to use their feelings accurately, and through observation, carry a perceptive focus.

When leaders demonstrate themselves as discriminating, we see good taste as it relates to judgment, which brings us full circle.

A perceptive leader is invaluable in any organization and this is certainly true when applying scripture to the development of the church and our lives as Christians.

This week, we continue to examine words identified in a recent article by Forbes, “7 Words Define What Employees Expect From Leadership.” The first word discussed the necessity of specificity on the part of leaders.

The second word is honesty. Perhaps honesty is a given when considering leadership. We all know, however, that not all leaders are honest. At times, they tend to tell “half-truths.” The motivation behind this diversion of truth may be rationalized by a leader, but when honesty is exemplified, Forbes claims “unnecessary disruption and division in the workplace” can be avoided.

Biblically, we know the necessity of honesty as a Christian virtue. Therefore, the application of honesty in biblical leadership is the natural reflection of what is expected by God and others.

Honesty is characterized in the words of David, describing the power of biblical leadership in the one who “walks with integrity, and works righteousness, and speaks truth in his heart” (Ps. 15:2).

The emphasis of David is on the three noun/verb participles highlighted that provide a platform for leaders, describing who they are and what they do.

“No matter where life takes you — big cities, small towns — you will inevitably run across small minds. People who think they are better than you, people who think that being pretty or popular automatically makes you a worthwhile human. None of these things matter as long as you have a strength of character, integrity… sense of pride. So when you meet someone for the first time, don’t judge them by their situation in life, because you never know, they may end up being your very best friend.” Joey Potter

The “layers of this onion” could be peeled back on numerous levels. Potter addresses so many areas that demand our attention, one post could not cover them all.

We are all aware of the validity of these statements, but one primary thought from this quote is essential to our leadership: strength of character.

Character is often the topic of posts, and the expression of character in the midst of this thought is significant to understanding the position, attitude, and activity of godly leaders.

Focusing on character development, as based on previous posts, will increase the credibility of our leadership.

We continue to examine areas of biblical leadership necessary for developing solid leaders for the future of the Lord’s church. Another vital component in this process is total faith.

The emphasis on faith throughout the Bible is more than obvious. God’s relationship with His people in the Old and New Testaments is based and built upon the same: faith!

Hebrews 11, often claimed to be the “hall of fame of faith,” is one chapter that, coupled with chapter 12:1-3, gives a picture of total faith.

Beginning with a definition, followed by identification, application, and concluding with illumination, we could not have a better perspective of the faith needed on the part of every leader.

Faith elicits trust on the part of leadership, motivates leaders to act with confidence, and it sustains a perseverance that has an eye on only one thing: “a city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”

The perfecting nature of our leadership is strengthened by the quality of our faith. Let us all nurture a total faith based on the word of God and His unfailing promises.

The bigger picture of discipline focuses on the importance of understanding “self-discipline.” Paul’s letters accompany the teaching of Jesus by emphasizing the necessity of discipline. He spoke of fathers disciplining their children, God disciplining those whom He loves, and the emphasis upon disciplining our own bodies.

Continuing to look at areas that shape the development of discipline in our lives, we find the need to challenge and eliminate our excuses.

Whether we talk about leaders or followers, there is a great tendency to make excuses why we are not getting involved or accomplishing a task.

When this happens we must challenge and eliminate those excuses. A common thought is expressed in the statement, “Anything that comes after a ‘but’ is an excuse.”

How true is it that we often say, “I would lead prayer, but _______,” I would lead singing, but _____,” “I would teach a class, but ________,” “I would go on a mission trip, but ________,” “I would give more money, but __________?”

Please do not misunderstand the thought. We just cannot allow excuses to hinder us from achieving the greatness of what God can accomplish through us.