Tag: Goals

Defining Leadership Character

What characteristic defines our leadership? When we examine that characteristic closely, are we able to recognize what makes it distinct?

The defining nature of our leadership sets us apart as leaders. This distinctiveness enables us to have the kind of influence needed to help others reach their potential, to become all God wants for them.

Leaders carry the responsibility of developing the kind of character that creates a distinction for their influence. This distinction provides defining qualities of leadership that make a difference.

Consider the following:

1) Learn what is necessary to achieve the goal.
2) Determine to do whatever it takes.
3) Be patient.

Complexity of Leadership

Life is complicated. Just when we feel like we have a good handle on it, something changes. Even when we have a vision, spend hours setting goals and establishing plans, there seems to always be that one item that throws us a “curve ball.”

Leadership can be tricky. As complicated as life can be, when leading others, the complexities increase.

Providing structure is essential to understanding the nature in which all the components required to achieve our vision are implemented.

This structure keeps everyone focused and active.

The work can be difficult, but when it is accomplished, everyone grows.

Don’t Change the Decision

There is no doubt we all face obstacles in this journey through life. The difference is made in how we choose to deal with those obstacles.

I appreciate Zig Ziglar’s thought, “When obstacles arise you change your direction to reach your goal, you do not change your decision to get there.”

At times, obstacles arise and create situations that cause us to feel as though we have no choice but to quit, and many do.

The greatest challenge, however, is realizing that the direction can be changed and still reach the goal without changing the decision to get there.

Phases of Leadership

The planning phase is where we dream, research, and organize everything involved in reaching specific goals.

The activation phase is where we implement the activities needed to accomplish those goals.

The evaluation phase is where we examine what has been accomplished to ensure we are on target.

The completion phase is where we reach the end of the project, the goals have been completed, and the rewards enjoyed.

These four phases have application for nearly every area of life, including our relationship with God and leadership in His kingdom.

Measuring Our Leadership

We tend to gauge success by tangible measurements, but is everything that easily measured?

How do we measure someone’s knowledge? How do we measure the long-term impact of the gospel once the seed is sown? How should we approach our leadership within the church?

Leave the measuring to God. He has an accurate way of measuring what happens.

Be consistent. Measure growth in another location by the same standard in our own.

Remember, goals are important and our job is to plant and water.
God will give the increase.

If we do our part, God will do His and the measurement will always be right.

Growing Our Leadership

Growing pains can be…well, painful. There are times we get discouraged with growth as it brings challenges.

Thelma Davis said, “To get to the next level your spirit has to be stretched. Don’t be discouraged by the growing pains. Promotion is a process.”

The process is critical to achieving the desired result, and the more we keep our focus on that result, the more likely we are to succeed.

Consider this…
Be open to the stretching your heart and mind.
Stay focused and encouraged during the growing pains (remember the goal).
Remember patience is needed while experiencing the process.
Results speak for themselves and are worth it all.

A Leadership Method

What method is used to improve our understanding of spiritual leadership?

What method will best grow or develop our spiritual focus?

What method will we implement to achieve the goals established for those we lead?

Several years ago, I heard someone say, “Any method will work, if we will work the method.”

Improvement, growth, and implementation are words that indicate work. Something has to be done in order to achieve our goals and the method designed is the means by which it will be accomplished.

Determining the right method is a key component to our leadership.

Evaluation

One of the most significant components of goal setting and achievement is evaluation. Evaluation is a time to reflect, assess, or make a judgment about the amount, number, or value of something.

Once goals are established for any individual or organization, an effective way to determine progress is through evaluation.

Evaluating progress monthly, quarterly, bi-annually, and yearly provides leaders an opportunity to measure the amount of progress, assess necessary changes, implement phases of the plan, and build the confidence of stakeholders in the process.

The profit gained by evaluating each essential part of the plan determines success.

Finish Strong…

There is something about the grand opening, the starting gun, the first day, or the kick off that strikes at the heart of people to get them on board.

Because we are often a short-sighted and an immediate-satisfaction oriented people, the long range goals seldom come to fruition.

Weariness, stress, slow movement, and discouragement set in and cause us to forget or lose sight of the excitement the original goals provided at the beginning.

In leadership circles, the idea of finishing well is becoming more prevalent. We need leaders who know how to start but also how to finish well.

Sticky Leadership…

Authors, Chip and Dan Heath, wrote Made To Stick.

It raises two questions. Why are some books, articles, people or situations remembered vividly, while others are forgotten? Why do we remember one situation so easily and readily forget others?

Leaders need to learn how to communicate the message, vision, and goals in ways that are sticky, helping others easily remember them along the journey.

The six ideas shared by the Heath’s indicate that when the communication is simple, unexpected, concrete, credible, emotional, and built in story format, people tend to remember. Give it a try.