Tag: Future

Future of Leadership

While growing up it was common to hear, “Son, when I was your age I used to…” The idea spoke of fond memories from the past. Do you remember the good ole’ days?

We may look to the past with regret over words or actions, or we may look with hope to greater opportunities for the future.

Leadership is not about the past, but the future. Leaders do not lead people where they have been, but where they need to go.

Do not allow the past to dictate direction. Acknowledge it. Learn from it. Leave it where it is, and focus on the future.

Powerful Communication

How can leaders ensure their message is understood?

Have a clear understanding of the past, present, and future. How did you get here? Where are you now? What direction are you headed?

Prepare a strong defense as to why you are communicating this specific message at this specific time.

Plan how the destination will be reached and communicate it often to ensure no one forgets.

Implement a confirmation brief, which means you ask others to explain what they heard you say.

It takes time and effective communication to get everyone on the same page.

Past, Present, and Future Lessons

Several years ago, I came across a quote that I loved. It simply said, “The past is where you learned the lesson. The future is where you apply the lesson. Don’t give up in the middle.”

Based on the lessons learned, the wisdom gained directs the decisions, attitudes, and actions of our future. Here, we apply the lessons gained from past experiences.

The challenge is learning to never give up in between learning the lessons which are connected to our past and recovering enough to make the proper application of those lessons in the future.

Leaders do well to learn and apply accordingly.

Elevating Others

One of the greatest qualities a leader possesses is the ability to elevate or stimulate someone morally or spiritually.

Consider two key principles for leading:

1) We don’t always have a second chance to make a good first impression. Use those first few moments to focus on the other person and lift them up in conversation.

2) Perhaps the most significant need within each person is that of reaching their potential, improving, growing, and achieving success. Find a way to help them do so.

Much more could be said, but consider the importance and value of lifting others up in leading them. When we do, an amazing future awaits.

Knowing The Way

Several years back, I was introduced to the weather rock. It worked quite simply.

If the rock is wet, it is raining.
If the rock is white, it is snowing.
If the rock casts a shadow, it is sunny.
You get the point.

It could not forecast the future, but was great for the obvious.

Jesus told the Pharisees and Sadducees they were able to state the obvious regarding the signs of the weather, but were blind to the signs from heaven.

Leaders need an eye for the obvious, but they also need a vision for the future. They must know the way and point people to it!

A Leadership Crisis

Will a leadership crisis characterize our generation? Leaders are in high demand. From the political to the spiritual arena, we need leaders.

What should be done? We can…

1) Do nothing.
2) Deny the crisis.
3) Ignore it.
4) Procrastinate and allow wrong leaders to have control.
5) Address it with a plan of action.

How?

1) Acknowledge the problem(s).
2) Examine the situation.
3) Remove the element(s) poisoning the organization.
4) Develop a support system for leaders.
5) Begin a course that prepares leaders for the future.

We need to act and we need to act now!

The Future of Leadership

We all experience the uncertainty of the future. A crystal ball might be helpful, but maybe not. I love Nancy Duarte’s thought, “The future is not a place we get to go, it’s a place we get to create.”

The idea changes everything about how we view the future.

Imagine our approach to leadership when we create a future that others are excited to share in and participate.

Together we can build momentum that strengthens growth and development. Regarding the church, we can paint a picture of the future that others desire to share. Now that is a place worth creating.

Investing Time

As we approach the new year, I am sure we all wonder what 2022 will bring. Will the pandemic continue to dominate discussions? How will leaders make decisions that influence our direction? What is the best way to use our time?

I recently received an email with a powerful thought from James Clear, “Think about what you want today and you’ll spend your time. Think about what you want in 5 years and you’ll invest your time.”

Instead of thinking about next year, think about 5 years from now and let us invest our time in ways that will make us better leaders.

Christian Leaders

While people often think leaders are a rare breed, leadership needs those who are a rare breed because they are Christians.

The priorities established by Christian leaders contribute to a breed of leaders that know who they are and where they are going.

The character demonstrated by Christian leaders sets them apart as a rare breed influencing others toward a heavenly goal.

The inspiration promoted by Christians leaders becomes the lifeblood for exciting followers to take their faith into the lives of others.

Christian leaders are a rare breed, and with the right priorities, character, and inspiration, the future is incredibly bright.

Leading by GPS

A global positioning system (GPS) makes travel in unfamiliar territory much easier. Now, we have a variety of apps on our smart devices that provide this luxury.

From a leadership perspective, imagine the impact on followers with leaders that know they are the GPS, God’s Purposeful Servant.

God is the foundation of our leadership, guided and directed by the Creator of the universe.

Purposeful
indicates two ideas: 1) God’s will drives our leadership, and 2) we lead with intentionality.

Servant is the descriptive word. We are servants of God and others as we lead them with hope for a better future.