To be observant as a leader should go without saying. The power behind the word this week is deeply tied to the defining nature of this word.

Alert: When leaders are alert they are quick to notice anything unusual or potentially dangerous. Various situations will require leaders to be alert, to act quickly. The spiritual battle that rages is one that requires leaders to be on the alert.

Watchful: Leaders who are carefully watching others and the situation are said to be watchful. Followers need those who are careful to look over the lives of those who have been entrusted to their care.

Aware: When there is a knowledge or perception of a situation or fact, leaders are aware. The challenge for leadership is learning to be aware of the background influencing the decisions, actions and words of others.

Attentive: How fitting is it that to be attentive, leaders must pay close attention to someone or something?

Other ideas could be used, but the basis for which leaders successfully lead is found in being observant. Observant leadership is not easy, it requires diligence, time, patience, and great love.

This common phrase changes everything about how a situation, project, plan, or goal is approached.

When an individual has “skin in the game” there is a level of commitment that moves one to greater action in achieving the desired result.

Skin in the game might involve money, time, ability, or even life itself. When a leader knows they must be invested, their commitment increases, because failing to accomplish the goal will cost them something.

Leadership in the Bible seems to follow this line of thinking. David understood the need for skin in the game as he offered sacrifice to God in 2 Samuel 24:24. He would not offer anything to God that cost him nothing.

The beauty of this thought is that if leaders will invest some skin in the game, they will find followers who are willing to do the same.

Leaders will also find it is a little more difficult to just simply walk away from their charge when they are invested.

Leadership will cost us something, but what we must recognize is that with God, it is worth the investment.

“Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” Nido Qubein

On occasions a nugget comes through and it is exciting to read and share with others, especially in leadership matters.

This quote has much depth to the idea stated by Qubein.

The tendency most of us share is to allow present circumstances to determine what results in limited possibilities.

However, when we see our present circumstances as merely the starting point, the possibilities can become unlimited.

There is something to the idea surrounding the “will to want to” when achieving the plans which have been established. When we want something bad enough, the possibilities are unlimited from where we start to what we can accomplish.

We must not allow our present circumstances to shape our thinking, direct our steps, or hinder our growth and development.

These circumstances will provide a launching / starting point for moving forward in achieving the desired goals.

One of the common themes throughout the Psalms encourages God’s people to seek refuge in Him; to trust in Him. The contrast stated in the Psalm for today’s post indicates the powerful nature of this theme. “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man.”

The easy course of action is to be dependent upon self, otherwise noted as being “independent.” As challenging is becoming dependent upon someone else.

Such thoughts produce little more than temporary satisfaction, and usually end with some level of disappointment or discouragement.

When we are dependent upon ourselves, when we fail to achieve the desired success we become frustrated with our lack of abilities.

When we are dependent on others, when they let us down or fail to arise to our expectations, we become disillusioned to the role of humanity.

In the long run, leaders must set the example of dependence upon God. They must learn to trust Him with all their heart. They should seek to find refuge in Him, rather than themselves or others.

Goals are vital to the success of any group or organization. Sadly, as leaders, our tendency is to see goals more as vague wishes.

These goals are usually cased in phrases like: “this year we want to do more…” or “our goal is to be more…” or “we need to increase…”

Goals should be framed with specifics that can be measured. Goals should be achievable, involve action, and be realistic. We must also see the need to set a time for achieving them.

For example: “over the next 6 months we will read the Old Testament,” or “in the next 12 months we want to share the gospel with 24 new people.” These goals meet all the requirements stated.

Short and long term goals are also key components to developing plans for moving forward.

Leaders need long term vision to establish goals for 25 or 30 years ahead. As well, to keep morale high and people motivated to achieve the goal(s), there must be short term goals that can be achieved.

Looking back on a few stepping stones (goals achieved) will keep everyone focused on the direction ahead.

The primary definition of this week’s word indicates a fundamental truth or proposition that serves as the foundation for a system of belief or behavior or for a chain of reasoning.

Perhaps a more relevant application, or simplified approach involves a rule or belief governing one’s personal behavior.

As leaders, several questions are important to consider regarding this thought.

1) Why should we have principles to govern behavior?

2) What rule or belief governs our personal behavior?

3) Do we have a rule or belief in place for this purpose?

4) Are these rules or beliefs based on humanistic or biblical foundations?

5) Will others see the consistency between our principles and behavior?

A life lived by biblical principles will always influence others. Principles that are consistently lived will also directly relate to the integrity needed for powerful leadership.

When leaders consider the answers to these questions regarding principles and behavior, the steps to harmonize them will develop leadership worth following.

Leading people who are unwanted is challenging. Instead of allowing fears or preconceived ideas to be an excuse for getting involved, we need to find the appropriate avenues to be involved and make a difference.

There are two main questions to consider: Why? and How? The first we will consider this week and the second next week.

Why should leaders be troubled with trying to lead those who are unwanted?

First, because every person was created in the image of God. The beauty of this thought should motivate leaders to reach out with the same compassion God demonstrates toward us.

Second, leadership is about people. We are not leading objects, but people. Until leaders look through the eyes of God and the lens of humanity, this thought will be challenging.

Third, we would want someone to lead us if the roles were reversed. It is very difficult in the midst of prosperity to see a self-image of reversed circumstances and picture the need.

Fourth, the need for salvation overrides any possible reason for inactivity. Everyone needs Christ and Christ died for everyone. Think Souls!

More next week…

“A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.” Douglas MacArthur

MacArthur is known for many quotes when dealing with leadership. His leadership stands as exemplary when considering the U.S. Army’s influence in World War II.

This specific thought exemplifies five key components that have a powerful direction to the leadership that should exist in God’s people today.

Confidence – We need confidence in who our God is and the power of His word to save souls.

Courage – Leaders must demonstrate courage in the times when courage is needed most.

Compassion – This Christlike quality is one that should characterize spiritual leaders.

Equality of Actions – Although it is not always easy, a leaders’ actions must be consistent.

Integrity – Few areas are more important, and yet so difficult, than walking with integrity.

The thought from MacArthur provides numerous lessons that hold value in connection to leadership.

One of the great thoughts of scripture, and certainly needed in leadership, is the confidence of God answering our prayers.

I have heard several quote the popular song that thanked God for unanswered prayers. I have also heard it said that sometimes God just says no.

When David writes this Psalm, he claims “On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul.”

How can we have the confidence to make this kind of claim in our relationship today?

1) Pray in keeping with God’s will (James 4:15; 1 John 5:14).

2) Ask in faith (Matthew 21:22; James 1:5-8).

3) Pray at all times without losing heart / be persistent (Luke 18:1-8; 1 Thessalonians 5:17).

4) Without being anxious and by giving thanks in everything (Philippians 4:6)

5) Be devoted to prayer (Colossians 4:2).

The list continues throughout the Bible to assist us in learning how to pray, what to pray for, and the confidence we can have through these avenues.

Of all people, leaders must demonstrate they are people of prayer.

To this point, we have considered three questions that all great leaders ask. There is a fourth question these leaders ask that is also significant to consider: “What might be missing?”

Mike Maddock, who writes for Forbes online, claims “great leaders are open to the fact (and it is a fact) that they are missing something.”

We do not have the space to list all the possibilities in answer to this question. It should be noted that what is missing can range from the most simple of ideas to the most complex issues of leadership teams.

The value of asking this question, and the need for leaders to press others to answer this question, demonstrates the kind of humility great leaders need in their leadership.

When humility is part of the equation, along with an openness to the possibilities, then followers will provide answers.

A sense of creativity, innovation, and motivation will exist to provide a stronger morale in achieving short and long term goals.

We cannot underestimate the power of humility seen in God’s leaders.