“This is a world of white water where we have to change to survive; where we have to develop to thrive; and, paradoxically, where the very act of change increases the risk that we won’t survive.” Randall White, Phillip Hodgson and Stuart Craine, The Future of Leadership: A White Water Revolution

I am not one who really likes taking risks. I also know the challenge of taking risks that are too great.

However, this quote is interesting. It speaks of the incredible changing world we live in and the need to make changes to survive in it. As well, there is a need to grow, developing for success, knowing the very risk we are taking could lead to failure.

Consider a few areas where we need to take a risk by learning to say yes as leaders!

Say yes to teach a Bible class, lead prayer, fill in when the preacher is away, or go across the street and ask someone for a Bible study.

Saying yes does involve taking a risk, but the opportunities for personal growth and changing the eternal destiny of someone else are worth it!

The arrival of globalization is more accurate. It is no longer a matter of if or when. Globalization is here and now! We are not waiting for the coming of globalization.

How many times have we heard or thought to ourselves the world is sure getting smaller?

With the touch of a button on a keyboard messages can be communicated on the other side of the world.

Skype has certainly had a part in shrinking the size of our planet.

While we could go on with a list of areas attributing to the global impact occurring in the twenty-first century, there are several questions we need to consider.

Are we aware of global changes? Economically? Politically? Socially? Culturally Religiously?
Have we considered how to embrace these changes?
Does our current plan involve a domestic or global approach?
How are we preparing our leadership within a global context?

These are only a few questions we need to address within the Lord’s church. We are no longer waiting. The world is on our doorstep now!

We need to be taking steps to lead with a global view in mind.

We generally associate music with being in the background. At times, we are aware of children playing in the background. We even refer to background noise.

What is it about the elements going on in the background? What significance does the background play when it comes to our leadership?

First, we need to know there is a difference between “underground” and “background.” It is possible to have something going on underneath that could be destructive to our efforts to lead. However, a number of areas can be working in the background to support the overall structure of the work.

Second, the individuals who are in the background are usually the best support for the work. These are the individuals who keep everything moving and working. They work tirelessly and always seem to know exactly what to do and when to do it.

Leaders should consider the people who are in the background as an asset and work to provide the support needed to equip them for success.

Could it be said that a leader is only as good as the people who are in the background? Think about it.

Tenacity identifies someone who is determined. There is a certain ability to hold on to something tightly with an incredible determination.

Look around. It does not take much to see how people demonstrate tenacity in all areas of life, from recreation to religion. When we examine our priorities we generally find our tenacity.

When I consider the definition of tenacity I think of the apostle Paul. I remember his words to the church at Corinth, “I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.”

What an incredible statement. Paul demonstrated tenacity in all areas of his leadership among the Lord’s people. Through his writings we continually see the driving force. Perhaps a few thoughts will help us understand how to be tenacious.

Be passionate…
Remove the impossibility factor…
Know what is worth dying for and live for it…
Have a clear vision of God…
Challenge yourself and others to do something great!

These few ideas can create a whole new approach to our leadership.

If there is one book you need concerning leadership, this is it. I realize there are a number of great books on leadership, and I have not read them all (or ever will).

However, Leadership and Self-Deception is one of the best I have read. This book is from The Arbinger Institute and is written as narrative. There are numerous lessons to learn about relationships from this material, but let me share the basic idea.

When we know the right decision to make, and do not make it, we betray ourselves getting into a box of self-deception.

Once we do, everything changes. We tend to elevate our own position, abilities, and motives to justify our choice. As well, we begin to disparage others, their motives, abilities, attitudes, work ethic, all in an attempt to justify ourselves.

The vicious cycle created keeps us in conflict with someone else. We blame others for the problem, yet it really all stems back to the choice we made and our need to justify that choice.

Would you like to know how to get out of the box? Read the book.

“In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground. A time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other. That time is now.” Wangari Maathai

This quote is part of a lecture given by Mr. Maathai upon receiving the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize.

Within it there is a plea for leaders to provide the type of leadership that gives hope, the type of hope achieved only through higher morality.

However, the only way this higher morality can really be long lasting is through understanding, faith, and a practice of respect toward the authority of God and His word.

Without the proper respect for God and the influence of His word, what purpose would there be for achieving a higher morality?

However, on the basis of both, all of humanity has a reason to change.

This is the summation of our leadership. Eight years have passed since this thought was expressed and it is just as needed today.

Now it is time for us to step up and lead.

One of the most fascinating studies of the Bible involves questions. Examining the questions asked by God and Jesus can be very convicting.

Does God ask because He does not know? Of course not. He asks because He wants us to know.

God asked Adam and Eve “where are you?”  Why? He wanted them to realize what they had done and where it put them in relationship to Him. Do we know where we are in relationship to God?

After an amazing discussion between Jesus and the apostles concerning His leaving and they could not follow, Peter expresses vehemently that he is willing to lay down his life for Jesus.

Jesus simply asks “will you lay down your life for Me?” Of course, we know a short time later Peter denied Jesus three times, just as Jesus foretold. Would we be willing to die for Jesus? Are we willing to live for Jesus? I am convinced, if we are not willing to live for Him, we would never be willing to die for Him.

Take a moment and ask yourself a few questions and think about your answers.

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.

It is this second thought I want us to consider.

I realize it is possible to be intimidating and not be aware of it. This is not the intention or motivation. This 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, hopelessly lost with no purpose for the future.

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

We are leading people to heaven. Therefore, we must give them hope! Think Souls.

Throughout the Bible we find an emphasis upon light, from the beginning (when it was created) to the illumination provided by Christ in the eternal dwelling of heaven.

God is said to be light and there is no darkness in Him. Jesus is called the Light of the world.

Israel was to be a light to the nations. Christians are to be a light to the world.

We are to walk in the light and let our light shine.

While there is more, think for a moment about the light of our leadership.

The role of spiritual leaders has a twofold purpose.

One, we are to lead those who are in darkness into the light of Christ. Here salvation is gained and hope is enjoyed.

Two, we are to help those who are children of light continue walking in the light. Here salvation is maintained and hope for the future is given.

If we can channel our focus in these two areas, our leadership will reach its greatest significance and others who follow will truly be eternally grateful.

Jill Briscoe’s book, Jonah and the Worm, is one for all ages. While it is a quick read, the message will not soon be forgotten, especially in connection to the lessons on leadership.

God’s purpose is not always understood at first. Little Worm (as he is referred to) did not understand why God was sending him to Nineveh until after he ate the vine. There will be times we do not understand God’s purpose until we have completed His will.

Whoever does God’s will is great in His eyes, even though they may be small. We often overlook the significance of Gods’ smallest creatures. Yet, God will use those who are obedient to His will. Leaders should never overlook the role of anyone regardless of their size or contribution.

It is not the length, but the power of the message that changes lives. Jonah’s message was only five words and it changed an entire city. Our leadership must learn the significance of this lesson when leading others. Think before speaking.

I recommend this book. We need to constantly learn how to improve our leadership. The lessons here will help.