I am reading a new book this week, The Speed of Trust, by Stephen M.R. Covey. I am just getting a good start on the book, but what I have read so far is awesome.

The basic principle of the book involves developing relationships where trust exists. By doing so, we speed up growth and development, as well as, lower costs.

It has been interesting to put myself in this position of making the applications to my own relationships. I have tried to examine those relationships where I trust someone and they trust me. As well, I have considered relationships where trust has been damaged.

When we trust someone, everything clearly runs more smoothly and quickly. However, when trust is not a part of the relationship, there are challenges to what is said and done by both sides.

One of our primary goals in leadership is to establish relationships built on trust.

Trust increases the amount of work accomplished.
Trust decreases the expenses of the overall task.
Trust builds comfort and confidence.
Trust changes everything.

I recommend reading the book. The picture will be much clearer.

“Contrary to the opinion of many people, leaders are not born, leaders are made, and they are made by effort and hard work.” — Vince Lombardi

One of my favorite comments about leaders is they are born, because it is the only way they can come into the world. However, Lombardi speaks to the real heart of the matter.

We could list numerous factors determining the making of a leader. We could analyze every angle realized in shaping the character of those who lead. We could even discuss principles leaders must uphold for the success of leadership.

However, it all comes down to two four lettered words…hard work!

When leaders are willing to work hard, their character demonstrates leadership.
When leaders are willing to work hard, others are willing to follow the example.
When leaders are willing to work hard, success will be the reward.

The making of a leader involves a number of areas. The foundation to the development of these areas comes down to hard work!

Leadership is not a located idea. Leadership affects the world. Men and women are found in leadership roles from anywhere around the globe.

Leadership is universal in application and is not limited to race, gender, age, or position.

Anyone can lead from anywhere.

The more I travel, the more I am encouraged by the leadership of the men I am privileged to work with in the Extension program.

I am continually learning from these men about leadership. I see their sacrifice, dedication, passion, and attitude of servanthood. It reminds me of how important it is they are filling these roles.

There is one powerful quality these leaders share that has taught me more than anything else, compassion for lost souls.

They have given their lives to prepare men to preach the gospel of Jesus.
They are dedicated to the work of evangelism.
They love their people and want them to be saved.
They work to serve, not to be served.

The example provided by these men has demonstrated the character needed for those who learn under them. These men are leading from anywhere and everywhere around the globe.

The older I get the more I find myself realizing how temporary my life is on earth. As a result, it becomes increasingly important to consider the idea of passing the torch.

No one likes to think about death. We do not want to dwell on the fact others must carry on without us. I am not trying to be depressing, but the truth is, we will all keep this appointment.

Since life is temporary, we need to consider our replacement. We need to pass the torch, but to whom?

Paul referred to Timothy as his “true child in the faith.” Paul was passing the torch to him. Paul also knew the value of Timothy doing the same and instructed him to do so.

We understand the value of having our children carry on the family name or traditions.

There is also a necessity of preparing men to shepherd the Lord’s church, fill pulpits with sound doctrine, and train teachers to lay the foundation for the future of our children.

It is all about passing the torch. Who will replace you? To whom will you pass the torch?

A Google search on success unfolds about 900,000,000 results. There is no doubt, success is one significant topic.

Material is available in every area; family, corporate, medical, technology, education, religion, and everything in between. We seem to be a world driven by the desire to be successful and leadership certainly relates to all of these categories.

The challenge involves defining success. What really determines success or failure?

Success in its most basic form is defined as the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. It is further identified as the attainment of popularity or profit.

While this definition is broad, it is also revealing. How often do we consider success only in the areas of “fame and fortune?”

In leadership, we need to remember what achieves true success.

Remaining true to our purpose and core values is success.
Learning from mistakes is success.
Seeing growth in a positive direction is success.
Adding members to the group is success.

Success must not be measured by a profit and loss column, at least not in spiritual leadership. True success is measured by God.

No one enjoys receiving criticism. Criticism is generally viewed as negative. The purpose seems to be more about putting someone in their place than trying to really help them improve.

Criticism should not be something viewed as bad. Criticism allows us a means to determine credibility and authenticity. We often use the terminology “constructive criticism.”

Criticism is designed to show both weak and strong points.

Criticism also helps us see ourselves the way others see us.

The challenge for spiritual leaders is learning how to give and receive criticism.

When giving criticism, leaders should always be straightforward and honest, but tactful.
Criticism should be accompanied by suggestions for improvement.
Criticism should only emphasize major or recurring faults, and never to get even or vent emotion.

Our biggest challenge is learning how to receive criticism.

Keep a record and review the criticism.
Always receive criticism gracefully. Be genuine.
Learn to ask questions.
Do not quit! Instead, accept criticism as a challenge to improve.

When leaders learn how to give and receive criticism, the result brings growth for leaders and followers.

“The higher one is in leadership, the more their work is about the future.” Hanz Finzel

We are all aware of the challenge of living in the present. We often struggle with getting past the “here and now.”

We must lead now, but our leadership is about the future. Our work is about working with others to reach the goal. We need to consider several questions.

Do we know where we are going? Maybe you are thinking, ‘duh.’ Do we really know? Unless we know where we are going can we get there?

What is our plan to reach the destination? A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. We cannot reach the destination unless we take that step. Each step needs to be part of the plan to reach our destination.

Are there resources available to help us? One of the most overlooked questions involves resources. If we do not know what resources are available we may not have enough to finish.

Have we assessed the abilities of everyone involved? Leaders need to know the abilities of everyone involved and use those abilities to reach the goal.

The Old Testament speaks of those capable of killing giants. Ten of the spies sent into Canaan caused Israel to fear the giants in the land. Their fear and complaining against Moses cost them entrance into the land. They wandered in the wilderness for forty years.

Israel’s army was also afraid of a giant and it took David to remove this fear.

One of David’s abilities as a leader was to surround himself with other giant killers.

Think about the 37 mighty men who served with David. No less than four of these men were involved in killing giants.

As we lead there will be giants who cross our paths. These giants will oppose our efforts to accomplish God’s will in leading others to heaven. They may take the form of financial obstacles, health challenges, differences of philosophy, and disgruntle followers.

Not only must we be able to overcome these situations, we need to surround ourselves with others who are able to help fight these battles and overcome.

Great leaders are able to see the qualities in others to accomplish the goal, even if taking out giants is necessary.

In a recent visit with a friend I was asked an interesting question. What is the best book you have read in the last six months, apart from the Bible? I was ashamed to think I had only read one book. It was a good book, but just one.

At the same time it reminded me of the importance of continuing to be a student.

I must admit, sitting down to read a book is not my favorite task. However, I know the value and necessity of being a continuous learner. There are several benefits to our leadership when we are reading.

We expose ourselves to the experience and wisdom of others.

We learn a number of new possibilities.

We expand our understanding in a variety of subjects.

We maintain a fresh perspective.

We develop a greater ability to think more widely.

We communicate in ways more well informed.

I am always thankful when I am challenged to improve who I am as a leader. Thank you Cy for reminding me of need to be a reader!

It has been said; “content makes poor men rich. Discontent makes rich men poor.” Read this statement again and give thought to the meaning. Contentment is challenging in a world continually offering more. We are bombarded by the thought of needing the newest, shiniest, fastest, and most powerful.

Will it ever end? What is needed for us to be content with what we have already? Paul understood the need to be content and the strength Christ provided to do so. He also reminded Timothy of the great gain achieved when godliness is accompanied by contentment.

The idea of contentment takes on a different meaning when thinking about our character and ability as leaders.

We must always be content with what we have, but never with who we are.

Leaders are constantly working to develop their abilities to lead.

As I travel and visit with men who serve in positions of leadership, the more I learn ways to improve my own abilities.

I am thankful to know men who are students of leadership and love talking about how we can grow in fulfilling this God given task.