Tag: Actions

Think First

Think first. Two words. Simple enough to say and so difficult to do. Think before we speak, before we write, and before we act.

We live in a reactionary world. We tend to react to situations. Life deals an unfair hand and we react. Someone speaks inappropriately and we react. Others take advantage of us and we react.

Leaders must learn how to act. If we can stop the reaction through our words and actions, then maybe the fallout can be prevented.

The only way to learn this lesson is to “think first.”

Actions of a Leader

How we are defined as leaders is based on our actions. Patrick Ness said, “You do not write your life with words… You write it with actions. What you think is not important. It is only important what you do.”

We may have the noblest of intentions. We may have abundant talent. We may even possess the highest IQ. If our actions, however, do not display exemplary character, then our intentions, talent, and intelligence represent little, if anything.

Let our actions define the true nature of our leadership.

Confident Character

Confidence is connected to both the words and actions of an individual. Thus, there must also be a strong consistency in one’s character.

The lesson for leaders is nothing new.

For leaders to build the type of relationship with followers where trust exists, their character must be defined by consistency, which lays the foundation for their confidence.

This may be one of the truest approaches to defining integrity for spiritual leaders.

Leaders need to position their words and actions in such a way that their leadership portrays the confidence of someone whose life is consistent.

Potential

Potential often describes the possibility of something occurring if the right conditions or circumstances are in place.

Potential also relates to the capacity of someone to become or develop into something in the future.

Three basic areas exist when considering ways to determine potential.

Actions: What has been done over the past five or ten years that lays a foundation for the future?

Abilities:
With training and practice, abilities can change. What exists that can be built upon?

Attitude:
When a positive attitude and determination exists, potential is unlimited.

Potentially speaking, leaders can examine these three areas and set powerful goals for the future.

Consistency

Leaders need to be consistent in every area of life.

When there is a purpose that drives our life, we then align our words and actions with that purpose.

From this point, we develop greater consistency because there is a purpose behind our thoughts, which become our words, which influence our actions.

In our homes, neighborhood, on our jobs, or anywhere we go, people recognize consistency.

Consider the definition: “An attribute of a logical system that is so constituted that none of the propositions deducible from the axioms contradict one another.”

I thought you might like to ponder that thought for a while 🙂

Two Questions

Two words with three letters each. The most powerful questions to be considered.

The first is why? The implication is to determine the purpose behind decisions being made and actions taken.

Why does this task require leadership?
Why should we pursue this direction?
Why is this work important?
Why is this the best course of action?

The second is how? Once we understand the purpose, we must determine how we will fulfill it.

How do I become a better leader?
How will we accomplish the task?
How should we handle obstacles?
How can we get others involved?

Nothing could be stronger from a spiritual perspective.

Potential…Part 2

Yesterday, I mentioned three areas that can be used to determine potential.

Actions: They speak louder than words. What is the person or team under consideration doing? What activities can we list to explain the actions of the individual or team?

Abilities:
While examining someone else’s actions, we can assess specific abilities demonstrated by them. Like potential, everyone has abilities, and the greater the abilities, the greater the potential.

Attitude: Not everyone has the right kind of attitude. The attitude we need is one laced with the desire to do whatever it takes to reach this potential.

If you think of others, please share.

Potential…Part 1

Measuring potential as an individual or a team is challenging.

John Maxwell calls it, “The Law of the Lid.” Here, he discusses the potential of leaders. When the ability of a leader is raised in keeping with the same level of dedication, the overall success of influence increases dramatically, thus reaching greater potential.

Three components help determine the potential of each individual or team: Actions, Abilities, and Attitude.

Leaders carry the responsibility of helping others reach their potential, however small or great the potential.

Tomorrow, I will briefly share a few thoughts related to these three components.

Actions and Motives

Leaders give of their time and ability to help others. It demands their attention and willingness to see others reach their greatest potential. Whatever it takes becomes the mindset of spiritual leaders who sacrifice their own will for the will of God.

The idea of selflessness is so interrelated it becomes difficult to distinguish. However, the difference is seen in the action of one and the motivation in the other. Effective leadership will make sacrifices, but the reason they make them is the selfless heart of God’s servant.

These two concepts speak for themselves, but the related ideas help all of us lead with the right actions and motives.

Head and Heart Leadership

Using our head in leading means we:
…think before we speak or act.
…consider the short- and long-term consequences of our words and actions.
…weigh the evidence and ask evaluating questions before making decisions.

Using our heart in leading means we:
…devote ourselves to learning and serving the needs of others.
…prioritize our time toward relationship development.
…risk temporary satisfaction for eternal gain.

If we work to develop and practice a more “others-focused” approach, the future will take on a whole new perspective.