One word, but this is not just any word, especially when it comes to leadership.

We might think of the objective as the goal, desired result, aim, or the end of the task.

However, the objective goes beyond the idea of a simple definition. The objective involves an opportunity to build a relationship of trust and achieve greater success.

What is the objective?
Is the objective clearly defined?
Has the objective been communicated to everyone on the team?

Along with the objective, leaders must clearly define the role of each individual involved in achieving the objective. The responsibilities and expectations must be written down. Each person must understand their role to achieve the objective.

The result should liberate team members to operate within the responsibilities and expectations to achieve the objective. The decisions of each individual are made with the specific purpose of the desired result.

Without clear communication of the objectives, responsibilities and expectations, suspicion is created. The motives of everyone involved are called into question. The result is distrust.

It may be one word, but the objective is a word that touches the whole of successful leadership.

Leadership strategy is about moving people from point A to B.

The challenge is how to motivate people to stay active in reaching the destination.

It would serve us well to first determine what we mean by unmotivated.

As well, we should consider the questions we need to be asking as leaders. Here are a few ideas to consider the next time we think others are unmotivated.

Do people know what they are supposed to do and do they know how? We often assume, incorrectly, others know what and how to do the job, when they do not.

When was the last time we reminded them? At times, just a simple reminder moves people forward.

Have we made it clear why this is valuable? The benefits and/or consequences need to be clearly identified.

Are there regular times of evaluation? We climb an insurmountable hill without evaluating our progress.

We should also appeal to self-interests. Nothing motivates more than areas of need and personal benefit.

When we carefully establish a few simple ideas, we begin to see changes in those we want to motivate.

Leadership must involve confidence.The idea of confidence is based in trust. We are able to place our trust in someone or something when there is reliability. The more reliable, the more trust we develop. The result is greater confidence.

Paul was confident in his Savior, the One who had the power to guard what he had entrusted to Him until that day.

John spoke of the confidence we can have in prayer.

The common thread in both of these thoughts is faith. Paul said; “I know whom I have believed.” John claims “these things have been written to you who believe.”

Our confidence as spiritual leaders is built on our faith.

With faith in the power of God’s word, impossibility is eliminated.
With faith in the working of God, prayers are answered.
When we have faith in the power of God’s word working in us, we can change the world.

I pray our leadership will always have the confidence God intended for a people of faith.

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.