Tag: Goals

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.

The End of a Matter…

Solomon said the end is better than the beginning.

From a leadership standpoint, we learn the value of credibility and confidence.

When leaders reach the end of a matter it is an indicator of success, and success breeds credibility for those who follow.

As well, reaching the end of a matter strengthens confidence in the leader. As victory is achieved, leaders grow with confidence to accomplish more.

Our leadership is no different. As leaders achieve success, they anticipate the next challenge or goal and work with tireless effort to build upon their confidence to strengthen their credibility.

Directional Leaders…

I love the thought expressed by Nido Qubein, “Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” 

We tend to do the opposite and let our present circumstances dictate the direction and the results are limited.

However, when our present circumstances merely provide a starting point, the possibilities become unlimited.

There is something interesting about the “will to want to” when achieving the plans we have established. 

Our circumstances simply furnish a starting point to move forward in achieving the desired goals.

Leading with Vision and Goals…

Goals should be framed with specifics that can be measured. They should be achievable and relevant. We also need to set a time for achieving them.

For example: “Over the next 6 months I will read the Old Testament,” or “In the next 12 months I want to share the gospel with 24 new people.” These goals meet all the requirements.

Short and long-term goals are key components to developing plans for moving forward.

Leaders need long-term vision, but remember that short-term goals keep people motivated. Celebrating these short-term achievements helps keep everyone focused on the long-term vision.

What’s Missing in Leadership?

Mike Maddock, a writer for Forbes online, claims, “Great leaders are open to the fact (and it is a fact) that they are missing something.”

What is missing can range from the most simple of ideas to the most complex of leadership teams.

Let’s start with humility, the kind of humility great leaders need in their leadership.

When humility is part of the equation of leadership, along with an openness to the possibilities, then people follow.

A sense of creativity, innovation, and motivation will provide a stronger morale in achieving short and long-term goals.

We cannot underestimate the power of humility in leadership.

Contingent Leadership…

The one consistency facing leadership today is change. Apart from technology, science, medicine, etc., people change!

When leaders cast the vision, point others to the goal, and establish plans, change occurs. Several questions should be considered.

What contingency is in place when changes occur?
Are the consequences of a contingency minimal?
Will the contingency create a loss of morale?
Who will implement the contingency during the transition?
How will the contingency affect the overall vision and goals?
When is the appropriate time to initiate the contingency?

Answering a few questions can help negotiate challenges that occur when change is inevitable.

Goal-Setting Leaders…

Goals are one of the most needed areas of leadership, yet one of the most overlooked and misunderstood.

Our approach to goal-setting is often an exercise in wishful thinking and generalities.

Goals must be specific in nature. What are we seeking to achieve, exactly?
Goals must be measurable. What gets measured gets done.
Goals must be achievable. In other words, they are something we can accomplish.
Goals must be relevant. They must mean something and have value to us.
Goals must be time-bound. Without a time factor, it is just a wish.

As leaders, we need goals on a personal and congregational level, long and short-term. Success comes to those who set SMART goals.

Now What?

Now that the festivities of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are behind us, we consider “Now What?”

For some, it is back to the norm. Back to the grind. For others, it is time to focus on the vision. Fulfill our goals.

No matter which side we find ourselves, leadership demands we grow. We continue to work on ourselves, improve our ability to connect with others, and influence the lives of each person God beautiful orchestrates into our lives.

As a reminder, 2020 is the perfect year to focus on where we are headed and who we plan to become. 

Make this the best year EVER.