Perhaps the memories associated with these words connect with the beginning of a race. All kinds of races, from “chuck-wagon” to “foot” races, begin the same way.

A few interesting facts about these races are significant when considering the importance of leadership.

First, racing is a contest with a key factor – winning. After all, this is the purpose of the race. All other factors are in place to achieve this factor.

Second, all races have one goal in mind – finishing. How someone finishes depends on how they expend their efforts during the race, but the one goal all participants have is to finish.

Third, another key factor is involved – preparation. In some ways, this is the most important part of the race. The nature of one’s preparation is indicated by the performance when racing – the better the preparation, the better the performance.

Paul refers to these three components as “competition, the prize, and self-control.”

Spiritually, the race involves our eternal destiny and that of those who are led. How we prepare to run, strive to win souls, and finish this race is worth the time given: ready…set…go.

“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” Maya Angelou

Albeit a positive thought, the intent is to fulfill this very purpose. Without exception, all of us experience days that are not the most pleasant. These days can be clouded by the challenges of life, e.g. family problems, health issues, financial struggles, relational matters, and the list goes on.

Consider the difference when leaders are instrumental in taking those clouds and placing a rainbow there. These are the kind of leaders we should all want to follow and, better yet, emulate. Applying a few simple ideas can make all the difference.

Learn to smile more. A friendly smile can make all the difference in someone’s day.

Genuinely ask about someone’s day. People need and want to know someone cares.

Learn to listen to the words, tone of voice, and body language. We should listen with our ears, eyes, and heart.

Do something nice for someone who will never find out. While challenging to do, this practice is awesome and life changing.

There are more, but let us start here and watch how others respond to our leadership.

Reading through scripture provides a wealth of information concerning men and women who were influential in leading others, good and bad.

History also records numerous people who carried the same influence in directing the course of history.

Proceeding through time to the present day requires us to consider several factors involved in the foundation of our own influence in leading others.

First, we all have influence. A number of authors claim we influence a minimum of four people everyday. Knowing this fact should move us to consider how we can best influence others for the cause of Christ.

Second, our influence is either good or bad. Our words and actions carry the weight of influence into an arena that is either “for or against” the Lord. If we knew that each word or decision would make the difference in someone’s eternity, would we think more first?

Third, proper influence is based on preparation. We must prepare our minds and discipline our lives to be the kind of influence that leads others to an eternal goal.

We need to focus on providing influence that changes lives for the Kingdom.

Most are familiar with the concept of faith. Granted, it may be misplaced or misguided, but faith is a fairly common word.

Biblically, we read about “the” faith, a reference to a body or standard of truth upon which someone believes and adheres to in life, such as Galatians 1:23.

There is also a reference to “personal” faith, the idea of one’s convictions. This might fall in line with the “assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). This faith moves us to action.

Passages like 2 Corinthians 5:7, however, can raise a minor issue when considering these ideas. Paul writes, “We walk by faith, not by sight.”

At first glance, we might think we live our life on the basis of personal convictions, yet Paul’s expression involves a body or standard of truth, i.e. “we walk by the faith.”

When our assurance and convictions in life are based on that body or standard of truth, then life is directed by that which is objective, not subjective to feelings (or sight).

The power of faith from this perspective changes the nature of how we live and lead others.

A craft is often associated with the activity of making things with one’s hands. The idea also refers to a skill for carrying out one’s work. Here is where we will focus with leadership.

Several questions come to mind: 1) How do leaders hone the craft of leadership? 2) What skills are needed in the craft of leading? 3) Is leadership really a craft?

The answers to these questions are varied and complex, depending on the source we might read. There are, however, a few ideas that benefit those who consider how to approach this idea in leadership.

Understanding the idea of a craft in relationship to a skill is foundational. We all possess certain skills and developing those skills in leadership improves the craft.

Leaders abound who exemplify leadership. They spend years working to develop their leadership and provide a great example to emulate. Spend time with these leaders.

Practicing our developmental skills is crucial to understanding the craft and improving our skill set in leadership.

Nothing comes quickly or easily, but with a little time and effort, our leadership craft matures into something beautiful.