Category: saltJournal

Bob’s daily blog of leadership points.

Leadership Thought Of The Day…

“If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are a leader.” John Quincy Adams

Four areas are emphasized in this quote. Dreaming, learning, doing and becoming more are a significant part of our role as leaders.

However, two key words in this quote become foundational to our spiritual leadership.

Actions: Nothing is more important to our leadership than our actions. It cannot be overstated that a leaders’ actions must measure up to what is said and believed.

Inspire: Inspiration is a powerful thought. To inspire is to produce or arouse a thought or feeling. Leaders must inspire, i.e. arouse, confidence in others.

When a leaders actions inspire confidence in others to dream, learn, do and become more, there is power to change the world.

This is the purpose of spiritual leadership. Let us arise to the task.

Wheel Of Fortune…

The “Wheel Of Fortune” is familiar to nearly every household. What is the fascination with solving a puzzle to win money?

Apart from the design and purpose of the show, there is a connection to leadership.

I am not referring to those who host or appear on the show. I am talking about the millions of people who watch night after night trying to figure out each puzzle.

There is a difference in solving puzzles from the recliner and solving them in front of an audience when the pressure is on. Have you ever thought or said “why did they spend money on a vowel when the answer is so obvious?” Or, “why can’t they figure it out?”

The similarities are true with leadership. It is one thing to criticize leadership’s decisions, or for not knowing the right answers. It is another to be in the battle when the pressure is greatest.

No spin of the wheel, roll of the dice, luck of the draw, or anything else makes the task easy. Respect belongs to those willing to take on the task of spiritual leadership.

I Just Want To Help People Get To Heaven…

A recent conversation with a friend turned to a discussion on leaving our mark on the world. The question is what do we want to others to remember about us and our achievements?

In leadership circles the idea is legacy. Legacy is not what someone is leaving to, but what they are leaving behind.

I cannot help but think we should just want to help people get to heaven. Our concern should not be about how people look at us, but how they see Jesus through us. Our concern should not be about what we are able to achieve, but how Christ will use us to His glory. Our concern should not be about being right, but helping other see what is right with God.

When helping people get to heaven becomes the focus of our lives, our whole approach changes.

We think before we speak. How will our words impact the lives of those who hear them?

We consider our actions. Will others see our actions as consistent to our claim as a Christian?

Helping people get to heaven must be the foundation of our spiritual leadership.

Need To Get Away

Everyone needs to get away once in a while. Southwest Airlines created humor to demonstrate the times people find themselves facing challenges and they want to get away.

There will always be challenging situations when leaders want to get away.

The question we need to consider in leadership is how should these situations be handled?

1) Get a good night’s sleep. Everything looks different with rest.
2) Take a look at the situation from another angle. Solutions are hard to find looking constantly through the same eyes.
3) Seek council with a trusted advisor. There will always be much wisdom in the council of many.
4) Identify all the possible solutions. Knowing all possibilities allows for better decisions.
5) Make a decision and move ahead with implementing it. If it is the wrong decision, then admit the mistake and change the direction.

We could get away. However, it does not generally resolve the situation, but it is an option.

Most situations can be resolved with a little patience and following a few simple steps. Remember others depend on our leadership.

The Latest, Greatest Thing…

It does not take long for marketing agencies to pick up on the latest and greatest gadget, device, toy, etc. I am constantly amazed at the infomercials for what appears to be the strangest products.

I am amused how the price remains the same, or at least some multiple of it. If not $19.95, then it can be purchased for three easy payments of $19.95.

Yet, there is more. If we buy in the next 15 minutes, they will throw in a second one free. All we have to do is pay the extra shipping and handling. Really?

So, what does this have to do with leadership? Good question.

Spiritual leadership is not about the latest, greatest thing. Leadership is not developed in searching for the latest technique, new idea, or greatest psychological approach. There is no easy, get rich quick scheme, approach to leadership.

God’s word provides an understanding of the field of work, purpose and motivation, the guidelines to follow, and the urgency.

It takes work. Let us all realize the great task before us and lead.

Leadership Thought Of The Day…

“The real leader has no need to lead – he is content to point the way.” Henry Miller

Often, the idea of leadership carries the idea of fulfilling the task of leading. Please do not misunderstand, there is great responsibility and work that goes into leadership.

Today, however, think about our purpose in leading.

Are we leading to gain an advantage or benefit for ourselves?

Is our leadership filled with the burden of seeing the workload instead of the goal?

When challenges arise, do we learn from them and improve in our leadership, or find ways to excuse the problem and blame someone else?

The real purpose of our leadership is about pointing the way. As spiritual leaders, we must recognize our part in a bigger plan to reach a goal where Jesus awaits.

Pointing others to Him benefits those who follow our leadership. There is no burden to great when pointing others to our Savior, and any challenge we face is a stepping stone in God’s perfecting work in our service.

Real leaders have no need to lead, just keep pointing the way.

Two Steps Forward, Three Steps Back…

…is a common phrase that obviously emphasizes a lack of progress. It is impossible for someone to go two steps forward, then three steps back and move ahead.

For leaders today, the idea of moving forward is vital to the development of the overall program in reaching the goal.

How do we prevent the idea of taking two steps forward and then three steps back?

1) Know with certainty the goal to be accomplished.
2) Understand the present location, available resources, and abilities of everyone involved.
3) Plan periodical times of evaluation.
4) Keep morale at a premium level.
5) Acknowledge every minor, as well as, major accomplishment.

A few steps planned and taken methodically will help keep the overall progress of the group from taking steps in the wrong direction.

There is nothing wrong with taking a step back, but let us make sure we are taking more steps forward than we are backwards.

Does Everyone Know?

Who is really leading? Do you know? Does everyone know?

While this question may sound strange, it really appeals to the importance of our consideration.

Too often we think the one who is up front is leading. Is it the one who makes the decisions? Maybe we think the one with the title is leading. Perhaps it is the one who claims to be in charge. Again, do we know who is leading? Does everyone know?

While it may be obvious, the one who exercises influence is leading. It may not be the one up front, or one making decisions, or one with a title, or someone who claims to be in charge.

The individual people turn to and ask questions when there is concern, this is the one who is leading.

If we do not know who is leading, then we need to look around and observe. As one has said before, if we think we are leading and no one is following, then we are simply taking a walk.

Are you leading? Does everyone know?

Turbulence

On a recent flight between Minneapolis and Chicago I experienced the worst turbulence I have seen in my time of flying. Reactions were plentiful as the pilot ordered flight attendants to return to their own seats (first time I have ever heard this).

As I thought about the experience, it was interesting to hear one gentleman calling on the name of Jesus over and over again. Whether in prayer, chanting, or meditation, he somehow felt a benefit existed in calling out to Jesus.

In a manner of speaking, all of us will face turbulent times among the lives of those we lead and influence. There will be rough times in life where people will face terminal health problems, financial struggles, death of loved ones, life altering decisions, and additional areas challenging the core of life.

The impact of turbulence in life ultimately begins to challenge our spiritual focus and faith in God. Leaders need to provide a confident assurance others can look and call out to when the journey is rough.

Our task is learning how to listen and responding appropriately.

Friendship…

Friendship is for a lifetime. Few people can be identified as true friends. We have acquaintances. We have co-workers. We may even have those who are associates. But, the idea of true friendship goes far beyond.

We have all heard quotes about friendship and we have people in our lives we consider friends.

How does friendship impact our leadership? Are there areas of friendship we can provide to help improve our leadership?

Friendship judges by investigating to know the heart and intent behind the action.

Friendship allows for mistakes and creates an atmosphere of expression with a mindset of helping overcome the challenges.

Friendship seeks to know and pursue truth in all things, even if it means risking feelings.

Friendship understands the ultimate goal is do what is right before God.

Spiritual leaders face many challenges. Leading and friendship will often create challenges in and of itself. However, if our focus is spiritual, then the friendships we establish will be built on principles of godliness.