Tag: Leadership

Act Now

Too often the thought of making changes involves a future time, the first of next week, first of next year, or some other date.

When it comes to changes we need to make, why put them off for another time? If we need to make them, then we should make them now.

Peter Drucker said, “We are creating tomorrow’s society of citizens through the social sector, everybody is a leader, everybody is responsible, everybody. Self-assessment can and should convert good intentions and knowledge into effective action – not next year but tomorrow morning.”

When we examine where we are and where we need to be, applying our knowledge into effective action is where growth occurs.

Remembering Our Leadership

We do not have the space to explore all the ways our mind works, or how much of the brain remains untapped.

It is fascinating to think about the ability we have to remember. Spiritual leaders must consider that people remember what they see longer than what they only hear. Therefore, how will our leadership be remembered?

Will it be remembered for our words or actions?
Will it be remembered for being a servant?

Leadership illuminates our lives and, sadly, our lives are lived under a microscope.

Before we speak or act, it is worth the time to consider how we want our leadership will be remembered.

Preparation

I’ve tried working on a number of mechanical items over the years from cars to electronics. Sometimes I was successful and sometimes not so much.

I might have enjoyed more success if I had learned some valuable lessons about getting the right tool for the job and the importance of knowing my limitations.

I can see many similarities to leadership. Leaders do well to learn the importance of taking time to do whatever is necessary to prepare properly and achieve the job successfully.

Being equipped with the right tools in leadership can make the difference now and eternally. Prepare and know your limitations!

Entrusted

The origin of our word “entrust” speaks to the idea of placing something into the hand of another.

Paul reminded Timothy of what had been entrusted to him and instructed him to place it into the hands of those who are faithful so that they, in turn, will teach others also.

When something is entrusted to us, it carries a responsibility to care for, guard, protect, cherish, and faithfully use it.

Considering what has been placed into our hands as spiritual leaders, we carry the same responsibility.

One day we will give an account for the stewardship of what has been entrusted to us, including the souls we lead.

Seek and Find

Do you remember playing “Hide and Seek” as a child?

When my granddaughter was younger, she introduced a little twist to the game. She told me where she was hiding and wanted me to find her. Hmmm. She expected the same in return.

While games are fun, it raises a thought about leadership. Are we playing a game of hide and seek when it comes to leading others?

Do we inform people where we are and where we can be found, or do we leave them wondering, or seeking, perhaps even wandering?

Let us be clear in the direction we lead, so others can easily seek and find. Sounds biblical to me!

Good or Bad

Leadership is about those who follow. General Douglas MacArthur said, “A general is just as good or just as bad as the troops under his command make him.”

Leaders can become so enamored with leading that they focus on themselves, forgetting their influence in the lives of others.

Interestingly, General MacArthur emphasized that a leader is just as good or bad as followers make them.

Listen to those who are led. What do they say or do? Careful observation reveals a great deal about our leadership.

A true and lasting impact is built upon a leader who places emphasis upon others rather than themselves.

Real

Real leadership involves genuine and transparent authenticity.

While not always popular, it is essential.

A good friend once told me that people want to see the same guy up front leading as they greet at the back door.

Give this some thought.

We do not need a different personality when we lead, and we must not excuse such by calling it passion.

If our personality is not passionate outside of our leadership role, then why would it become so when leading?

Leading others brings many challenges and this one is difficult. However, if we want to lead others, then we need to BE REAL!

More

We have all heard ads for products followed up with, “Wait, there’s more.” At this point the offer is usually doubled in some manner.

Considering our leadership, what more is there? 

Leadership is more than power.
Leadership is more than position.
Leadership is more than a title.
Leadership is more than influence.

There will always be more regarding spiritual leadership. If we approach the task with humility and love, we can realize growth in the church and bring glory to our God.

But there will always be more! 

If we act now, more souls will enjoy the beauty of heaven.

Position

Too many leaders have the mindset that they cannot lead unless they have a position, or once they have a position then they will be able to lead.

While having a position does not make one a good leader, position identifies a responsibility. Spiritual leaders are positioned with a responsibility to help others. 

It is about helping others…

…understand there is hope for the future.
…reach their full potential in spiritual maturity.
…obtain the promised eternal inheritance.

Several years ago, I heard this equation: ability + opportunity = responsibility. After some thought, doesn’t it sound like a good position?

Peace

A few moments of reading or watching the news reveals the desire for peace, which seems to be unattainable.

Peace is not the absence of conflict. True peace is only found in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. He is our peace. His purpose in coming to earth and going to the cross was to provide all nations with peace, uniting all people from every tribe, nation, and tongue into one body.

Our task as leaders is to help others find the only peace that provides hope and unity, which can only be found in the true Prince of peace.

When we think souls, there is a renewed purpose for helping others enjoy what only Jesus can give.