Tag: Communication

Transparency

Transparency in leadership is often challenging.

Transparency means we take instruction and make application to ourselves first, without an emphasis upon others.

Transparency instills confidence in others that our efforts, both personally and professionally, are always for the good of the whole.

Transparency involves an openness in our communication, laying everything on the table, good or bad.

We need more transparency in leadership. This is the example we find in Jesus, and it is exactly how we should approach leadership in the church today.

Leading a Team

Understanding teamwork and how to lead a team is significant to the overall success of any organization. However, there are some “do’s and don’ts” to the process.

Working as a team does not place everyone in an equal position. There are specific roles each member must fulfill for the unit to function properly.

Working as a team does place everyone on the same page. When goals are communicated and understood, everyone understands their specific tasks to reach the goals.

Training as a team has great advantages in our overall health and growth. When we work together, the team wins. This is the role of great leadership.

Participatory Leadership

While some leadership styles involve force and manipulation, spiritual leadership thrives on participation. Spiritual leaders rely on the group overall and working together to achieve the goal(s).

Decisions and policies are made by and for the group.

Motivation is based on shared purpose and adequate communication.

Shared representation is built on “we” not “I.”

Participation in the role of leadership involves patience, allowance of independence, assumption of responsibility, and the need for cooperation.

We strive to reach a common goal and need each other if we are to make a difference.

Trustworthy Communication

One of the key principles of leadership involves communication.

When leaders do not keep others informed, suspicion grows, distrust blossoms, doubt develops, and anxiety raises its ugly head.

Spiritually speaking, there is a great need for Christians to be informed by leadership.

What kind of information needs to be provided?

Information about plans for the future, changes to be made, challenges or hindrances facing the plans, and existing needs.

When leaders communicate, trustworthy and loyal relationships develop. It is time for God’s leaders to lead.

Listening (part 2)

People want to be heard, but who will listen? It is frustrating. We mentioned several reasons why we need to listen, but how can we improve our listening ability?

Remove distractions. It is hard to listen when focused on another project. 

Find a quiet place. Time in a quiet place makes listening easier and beneficial.

Devote time to listen. Set aside a specific time to listen.

Stop thinking of a response. This is difficult. It is easier to think about what to say next.

These are a few suggestions. However, if applied, our ability to listen increases and communication improves.

Objective Leadership

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

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

Leaders carry a responsibility to clearly define the role and responsibilities of each individual involved in achieving the objective. They must understand their role and responsibility in order to make decisions connected to the objective.

Without clear communication of responsibilities and expectations, suspicion is created. Motives are called into question. The result is distrust.

It may be one word, but the objective touches the whole of the work.

Read More!

What is the best book you have read in the last six months, apart from the Bible? Admittedly, sitting down to read a book is not our favorite task.

There are several benefits to leaders who are readers.

We expose ourselves to the experience and wisdom of others.
We learn a number of new possibilities.
We expand our understanding in a variety of subjects.
We maintain a fresh perspective.
We develop a greater ability to think more widely.
We communicate in ways more well informed.
We need to challenge ourselves to improve who we are as leaders.

Read more!

The Language of Jesus

Languages are not a strong suite for most of us. Imagine the difficulty of listening to the multiplicity of languages around the world.

However, the key to communicating effectively is understanding.

The ability to communicate so others understand is vital to our leadership.

Goals must be communicated so everyone understands.

Plans must also be communicated effectively.

Roles and responsibilities must be understood.

Above all, leading others to Jesus demands communicating the message of the cross in ways others understand.

Belief

What do we believe and why do we believe it?

Amazingly, and more to the point, when we believe something, we talk about it to others. We express why our belief is so strong. When we do not believe there seems to be no purpose.

Paul told the church at Corinth, “I believe therefore I speak.”

We have opportunity to influence people everyday. It is fundamental to leadership. Do we talk about what we believe? Do we speak about the overwhelming nature of what we believe and why we believe it?

Communication allows us to share a belief system based on the evidence of truth. Make it count!

Success or Failure?

Although the origin is unknown, I’ve heard several versions of this thought, “I do not know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.”

Many do not lead because they are afraid to fail. If everyone had this attitude, where would we be spiritually? If no one had the courage to lead, what would happen to the church? We know it is impossible to please everyone.

Therefore…

Lead with the Bible as the basis for all decisions.
Make decisions with confidence.
Communicate decisions clearly.
Express why the decisions are made.
Understand not everyone will like or agree with all decisions.