Category: saltJournal

Bob’s daily blog of leadership points.

Improving Communication

Communication is challenging. We usually think others understand clearly. Often times, we even expect others to read our minds, the old reading between the lines.

However, others do not always understand. Thus, we need to work on our ability to communicate. Every leader must constantly work to improve their communication skills.

Learn to listen. Stop reading between the lines or thinking of what to say next.

Repeat back what was heard. This step ensures understanding.

Ask questions. This helps clarify areas we might have misunderstood.

Think before responding. Take time to consider a proper response.

Compassionate

Compassion is best described as a feeling of sympathy aroused by the distress of others with a desire to get involved and help. It is easy to see how Jesus would be described this way.

The tougher an environment becomes, the more our need for compassion increases. During the challenges of life, the awareness of leadership to the needs of others becomes evident.

Leadership senses must be engaged, observant to the surroundings.

Their hearts must be touched with the situation of others.

The hands of a compassionate leader must act to help.

Compassion is one of the unique qualities spiritual leaders must possess to be like Christ.

The Hand

In the Old Testament we find a great contrast between deliverance by the hand of the Lord and oppression by the hand of Israel’s enemies.

God’s hand holds both consequence and reward. While God’s hand creates fear, it also instills hope. “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Yet, Jesus sits at the right hand of the majesty on high and intercedes for us.

We are instructed to humble ourselves “under the mighty hand of God.”

The hand of leadership leads out of humility and provides hope.

We have an opportunity to make a difference with the use of our hand.

Happy Thanksgiving

This day and every day. This year and every year – I am thankful to all of you for your encouragement and support of this great work. I pray you have a very Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving.

Downside vs Upside

Why is it life and leadership cannot always be about the upside? Is there a purpose to dealing with the negative struggles challenging life and leadership?

Spiritual leaders know the downside helps in developing an appreciation for the upside.

God’s power is perfected in our lives as a result of enduring the downside.

The downside is designed to equip us with an ability to help others who are suffering.

The difference is found in the way leaders respond to these challenges. The downside indicates that challenges and problems will come. The upside is they are only temporary.

Lead with the hope of knowing there is an upside.

Other Side of the Fence

The grass may seem greener on the other side of the fence, but be careful. Consider a few ideas.

1) If something appears to good to be true, it generally is.

2) Most often, the other side is not always what it first appears.

3) An inappropriate desire for the other side leads to sin.

4) Focusing on the other side distracts us from the present work.

5) Remember, someone may be looking with desire at your side of the fence.

Leadership has a responsibility to stay focused on the goal ahead. However, we must prevent followers from being distracted by the other side of the fence.

Power

Problems arise when leaders abuse power, or base their power on an inward self-centeredness.

Spiritual leadership must be built on the power of God.

When our leadership turns inward and self-centered, it will fail.

True leadership is about the power that comes from our God through His gracious and indescribable gift, Jesus.

He is the power to save, to make all things happen, and to lead.

Paul wrote “no man has the power to lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus the Christ” (1 Co. 3:11).

Let us pray for His guidance and direction in our leadership.

A Righteous Leader’s Prayer

Prayer can be an overlooked subject. The application to how we draw closer to God, grow spiritually, or endure trials is often to pray more.

What is prayer? How should we pray? Why do we pray? Does prayer really influence God?

Think about how James teaches the necessity of prayer in leadership.

Three keys to spiritual leadership rise to the top.

1) Elders are identified as righteous men who are to pray.
2) The working prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.
3) Turning sinners from their error will save them.

Leading people to salvation must be at the heart of a righteous leaders’ prayer.

A Clutch Leader

When athletes learn how good they are…or not is when it counts.

However, there is a difference in learning and doing.

When tough decisions must be made, leaders are established.

How mistakes are handled defines a leader.

The response when receiving criticism determines one’s leadership.

Here is where true leadership is discovered. Let us stand strong when our leadership is tested. There are those who see what needs to happen, those who make it happen, and those who make it happen when it counts.

Be a clutch leader.

Little Things

While it may not sound like much, remembering someone’s name and greeting them is important.

Little things are like that, they make a big difference.

“I’m not good with names” is a common excuse. However, we remember what is important to us.

If we want to make a difference, someone’s name is important. There is power in remembering something as simple as a name.

Carry a pad and write down their name.
Repeat their name in the conversation.
Afterwards, make a note about them to associate with their name.

It’s the little things that make a difference.