We have all seen those flyers announcing a “Customer Appreciation Day.” Businesses offer special pricing to show their appreciation. They want to express their gratitude for customer business.

Leadership appreciation is also about being thankful.

The true expression of appreciation is summed up in understanding the depth of our gratitude. Cicero claimed; “gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” (Cicero, ‘Pro Plancio,’ 54 B.C.)

As leaders, we need to examine our level of gratitude.

When was the last time we expressed our gratitude?
What actions or qualities move us to be thankful?
How often do we express our gratitude? Once a year, month, daily?
Have we considered why we should be thankful?

Today is Thanksgiving. We cannot overstate the need to be thankful more than just one day a year.

Among all the areas for which I am thankful, I am thankful to you for your loyalty in reading the Leadership Fund.

I know you are thankful for the physical and spiritual ways God has blessed your lives.

To Him be the glory.

Over the past 20 years of my ministry I have considered the idea of being approachable. I have witnessed fear in approaching leadership.

One characteristic leaders must possess is approachability. How can we create an atmosphere where people are comfortable with approaching the leadership?

Let me share a few tips I have learned from approachable leaders.

Close the laptop. I learned this from the current president of the Bible Institute.  Every time I stop by his office to visit, even for a few minutes, he closes the lid on his laptop and gives me 100% of his attention.

Make good eye contact. Looking others in the eye demonstrates interest. We are engaged. If we constantly look down, at someone else, or seem distracted, we demonstrate the opposite.

Watch the body language. We do not realize how much we communicate through nonverbal language. Learn to smile. Greet others kindly and warmly. Body language expressing inconvenience, communicates “unapproachable!”

Developing a shepherding heart, seeing people as God sees them, and guarding against pride are internal ways of developing the right qualities in our leadership to be approachable.

An obligation is an act or course of action to which a person is morally or legally bound; a duty or commitment.

On one hand, it is impossible to force someone to act or do anything. On the other hand, we tend to use our skills of persuasion whenever we can to motivate others into action.

We understand obligations on numerous levels; family, work, community, country, etc.

However, when we think about leadership as an obligation, we should go through an exercise in self-examination. We need to examine our own obligation to Christ and others.

The very nature of Christ’s sacrifice laid the groundwork for an obligation. Paul understood this obligation to Christ and all of humanity.

We have tasted of the grace of our God. We enjoy the gift of salvation.

Just the thought carries a moral and spiritual obligation.

As we examine our words and actions, realize we are creating a format of leading. We are going to lead and people will follow, but where are we leading them?

Considering our obligation reminds us of the need to be committed to lead them to heaven.

Perhaps you remember the old adage “there are no free lunches.” We are all aware of the rising cost of living. The problem is not limited to the United States. Increases are being felt by people all over the world.

Supply and demand seems to make quite a difference when determining the price we pay.
The sentimental value we assign an item also plays a part in determining the price we will pay.

Knowing the eternal significance of our role as leaders should move us to give serious consideration.

I am not talking about a monetary offering. This is not about writing a check, or slipping a Ben Franklin or two into someone’s hand.

I am talking about the price we are willing to pay, the sacrifice we are willing to make, the length we are willing to go, and obstacles we are willing to overcome just to lead someone to Christ.

The reward will be worth the price we are willing to pay.
The question is simple: are we willing to pay it? Think Souls!

“Lead is a verb, leader is a noun, and leadership is both.” unknown

I have read so much lately, I am not sure where I specifically read this quote. I would love to give credit to the individual who came up with this thought, but I do not remember at this time.

I have to say though, I love it. What an incredible thought to consider in the area of leadership. The opposite is represented in the thoughts of hypocrisy; saying one thing, but doing another. Hypocrisy is a word and practice to be eliminated from our vocabulary.

Leadership involves both the person and action.
Leadership speaks to both who we are and what we do.
Leadership requires an effort to develop both man and method.
Leadership drives home the need of both personality and character.

We must keep in mind the development process of making great spiritual leaders. The constant dedication to the act of molding the ability to lead helps us all become the leadership of God.

Have you ever made plans you were excited about? Have you worked hard preparing for that very moment of that day? Did you eagerly anticipate those plans?

Did something unexpected happen, only to prevent you from fulfilling your expectations?

Disappointment generally overshadows any joy we previously possessed. A few simple suggestions will help us be prepared when the unexpected occurs.

Expect the unexpected. We need to know there will be times when the unexpected comes along. If we are not prepared, it can knock us off our feet.

Never go it alone. When events of a severe nature occur, seek help from those who have traveled the path before.

Prepare a back up plan…always. Great potential does not always leave one prepared with an alternative course of action. The key is to prepare one. Have a back up ready!

Trust in a positive result. We may not see the good in every situation, at least, not presently. When we put it, and leave it, in God’s hands, good will result.

It can be a hard lesson, but when it is learned, rarely will we be “surprised.”

I know many grandparents who treasure their grandchildren and I am no exception.

As my grandchildren learn to communicate, they are teaching me great lessons. Today, was one of those learning opportunities.

My grandson stopped by the office and decided he needed to work. I sat him on my lap and he typed away on an empty document. He did not notice as long as he could push the buttons on the keyboard.

He carefully placed his hands in position and pecked away. There is something cute about the sound of keys clicking at the fingertips of a three year old.

Since, I also needed to work, I sat him beside me in his chair. I pulled out the iPad and let him start his own work.

I am amazed how quickly he can dismantle various electronic functions. As I watched him, I was reminded of my influence on one at an age so pliable.

Leadership is not limited to adults.
Leadership begins with little ones who admire every word and action.

We should give more thought to the opportunities of influencing their future by our leadership.

It is not uncommon to hear someone express having “burnout.” The idea of burnout and its implications are extremely subjective.

However, it raises several questions regarding motivation.

What motivates us to lead? There will always be times when we are discouraged and perhaps discontent. When we face those times, we need a “fire-lighter” to our leadership. We need that someone or something to motivate us.

How can we keep others motivated to follow? Presenting possibilities within goal setting excites people to get involved, but it can create nearsightedness. Morale is high the first month. When we look at goals 20 years away, discouragement tends to set in. We want to see something more tangible now.

What short term goals motivate us to stay focused on the big picture? Accomplishing short term goals builds motivation in reaching forward to greater success and achievement in the long term.

Leaders need to develop plans to keep the fires lit. We must know how to keep ourselves and others motivated, both now and for the future.

A few small accomplishments along the way motivate all of us to achieve long term development.

I am amazed at our dependency on Smartphones. I am also fascinated with the frequent updates required. It reminds of…

The speed of change. Technology is changing rapidly. Updates are required just to keep up with the necessary changes of the world.

Public demands. Anytime a new technological tool is released, the public puts it to the test. The internet provides forum for discussing the problems companies should fix. These demands become so wide spread, companies are forced to provide updates.

Competition. It would seem one company barely introduces a “new” product before numerous companies provide competitive products, seeking their share of the market. Everyone must bring their “A” game to provide the best.

The challenge in spiritual leadership is trying to lead people with this mindset. Our culture is about change, demanding problems be fixed…now, and we seem to compete with the ploys of Satan.

The task before us is not easy. We must be…

Wise as serpents, innocent as doves.
Diligent to present ourselves approved.
Ready to make a defense, always.
Faithful until death.

These are a few spiritual gb’s to help meet demands.

“It’s easier to draft than it is to lead, but when you lead, you help somebody else go faster than they ever could have on their own.” Jon Acuff

I subscribe to Jon Acuff’s blog. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys reading about leadership. Jon brings a wonderful and fresh perspective to several areas regarding leadership.

This particular quote is one I really enjoyed. Jon learned this lesson from his father who had taken up cycling. Read the quote again in the context of cycling and consider the following.

Leadership will always have challenges, but the rewards outweigh the difficulties.
Leadership helps others learn how to achieve their goals.
Leadership empowers others to achieve greater work without us.
Leadership provides the foundation for future success for the good of everyone.

It might be easier to draft behind someone else, sort of coast along without much struggle or strain. However, it does not bring the kind of change needed for the spiritual success of others or ourselves.

Leadership makes it possible for others who cannot or will not step up and change the future.

Lead!