Tag: Goals

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.

Need for Strategy…

Strategy is a plan of action to achieve a desired aim or goal. General Norman Schwarzkopf said, “Leadership is a potent combination of strategy and character. But if you must be without one, be without the strategy.”

While character is the essential to leadership, strategy is also needed. Without strategy, we have no goals, or plans to reach a goal, regardless of the goal(s) set before us.

Few areas in life exist where strategy is not involved at some level.

Leaders must establish a strategy for reaching goals with specific plans, leading with the future in mind. Time will not be wasted in the field of strategic development.

Leadership Potential…

Potential involves the possibility of something occurring if the right conditions or circumstances are in place as well as the capacity of someone to become or develop into something in the future.

How do leaders determine someone’s potential?

Three basic areas exist.

1) Actions. What has been done in the past lays a foundation for the future.
2) Abilities. No one can grow beyond their abilities, but they can change with training and practice.
3) Attitude. When a positive attitude exists, along with determination, potential is unlimited.

When leaders recognize potential, they can set greater goals for the future.

Evaluating Leadership…

Evaluating 2020 causes confusion at best and concern at worst. It has been quite a year for leaders in every arena. How can we deal with the challenges of leading during such a time as this?

The first step is an awareness of the needs. Unless we can see the need to improve the steps that follow have no value.

The second step is a resolution. Without the resolve to make changes, recognizing the need is only a wish in disguise.

The third step is implementation. The difference-maker is a plan to implement our resolve. How will we accomplish the goal?

Five Leadership Components…

Organization, arrangement, design, forethought, and groundwork are key components in our leadership.

Organization: Organizational success is determined by the strength of its leadership.

Arrangement: The arrangement of each component is critical for development.

Design: The design stage in planning is where dreams unfold into direction.

Forethought: When planning, forethought includes vision, goals, mission, core values, people, and obstacles.

Groundwork: The groundwork is based on the forethought given to the specific nature of planning.

When leaders in the Lord’s kingdom give thought to planning based on these five components, the reality of success occurs at the right time and the right place.

Time is of the Essence…

We are a few months away from the end of 2020, and I am sure many are ready to reboot.

How has the pandemic impacted our goals? How will we structure goals for 2021?

If we have procrastinated the need to set goals, we need to rethink our direction. If we are waiting to decide what is most important, we have no time to waste.

With so much to do, people to lead to Christ, Christians to strengthen in faithfulness and personal growth, time is of the essence.

Let us use the time God has given us wisely and not waste this opportunity to prepare.

Long-Term Leadership…

What personal goals do we have for next year, or maybe ten years from now?

Have we considered the consequences of our decisions, especially when they involve spiritual growth over the next ten years?

Leaders assist others to think about long-term. The need is great if we plan to move toward a future with strong godly character.

Every decision has some form of consequence, good or bad, now and for the long-term.

A thoughtful process of examining these consequences will help us shape the future for our own lives and for those we lead.

Leading with Tenacity…Part 2

Tenacity is associated with grip, determination, and persistence.

The ability to grip something, or hold on firmly, is crucial for long-term success.
Determination presents an attitude of strength to endure the distractions.
Without persistence, leaders find themselves ready to give up and move on.

Tenacity, as defined in these areas, demonstrates the ability of leaders to take a group of people who might not otherwise continue and motivate them to heights unknown.

With it, leaders build confidence in their approach to the establishment of goals and the development of plans to achieve them.

Leaders must hold on with a tenacious spirit.

The Power of Listening…

In leadership, communication becomes critical to the success of building relationships and reaching goals.

Leaders who communicate well are able to articulate the vision, inspire the actions of others, and strengthen the character of an organization to achieve long-lasting rewards.

However, the foundation for these three areas requires the ability to actively listen.

When leaders do not listen, they communicate a lack of concern or care about the other person.

If leaders take time to be silent, remove distractions, focus on the person speaking, and truly listen, amazing results occur.

Leaders build stronger relationships, encourage followers, and take steps to achieve their goals.